i • •
- .
UC-NRLF
1S3 133
.
V '
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
PRESENTED BY
PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND
MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID
KKG-BAVKU KOB THE NUHSE X- SPY.
UNION ARMY:
COMPRISING
The Adventures and Experiences of a Woman
in Hospitals, Camps, and Battle-Fields,
By S. EMMA E. EDMONDS.
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.
jjpubltsljcb bn Subscription cnljj bn
¥, S, WILLIAMS & 00,, HAETPOKD, CONN,
JONES BROS. & CO., PHILADELPHIA AND CINCINNATI.
J. A. STODDARD & CO., CHICAGO, ILL.
1865.
ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS IN THE YEAR 1864,
Sg ill 0. tDilticima & dompang
IN THH CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES,
FOR THE DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT.
Printed by Wiley, Waterman, &. Eaton, Hartford. Conn.
A- / O Y£
irk aiti
0!
Is RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED
PORTRAIT Engraved on Steel "by G-eo. E. Ferine, 1ST. Y.
Disgu.ises and. otlier Scenes, Dra-wn and Engraved on "Wood
Tby R. O'Brien, ISTew York.
PAGE.
PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR, FRONTISPIECE.
HOSPITAL TREE AT FAIR OAKS, It
CATERING FOR HOSPITALS, 94
DISGUISED AS A CONTRABAND, 113
MAKING HOE-CAKE FOR A SICK REBEL, 153
ACTING ORDERLY ON THE BATTLE-FIELD, 178
RIDING FOR LIFE, 217
RELIEF FOR THE FAMISHING, 228
DISGUISED AS FEMALE CONTRABAND, 263
AN INTERESTING PATIENT, 272
PLAYING POSSUM, 295
PAYING A DEBT OF GRATITUDE, 316
BURSTING OF A SHELL IN YICKSBURG, . . .358
PUBLISHERS' NOTICE.
No APOLOGY is necessary for adding one more to the numer
ous "War Books" which already fill a large space in American
Literature ; for, to the general reader, nothing connected with
the Rebellion can be more interesting than the personal experi
ences of those who have been intimately associated with the
different phases of military life, in Camp, Field, and Hospital.
The " Nurse and Spy " is simply a record of events which
have transpired in the experience and under the observation of
one who has been on the field and participated in numerous
battles — among which are the first and second Bull Run, Wil-
liamsburg, Fair Oaks, the Seven days in front of Richmond,
Antietam, and Fredericksburg — serving in the capacity of
" Spy " and as " Field Nurse " for over two years.
While in the " Secret Service " as a " Spy," which is one of
the most hazardous positions in the army — she penetrated the
enemy's lines, in various disguises, no less than eleven times ;
always with complete success and without detection.
Her efficient labors in the different Hospitals as well as her
arduous duties as " Field Nurse," embrace many thrilling and
touching incidents, which are here most graphically described.
6 NURSE AND SPY.
Should any of her readers object to some of her disguises, it
may be sufficient to remind them it was from the purest mo
tives and most praiseworthy patriotism, that she laid aside, for a
time, her own costume, and assumed that of the opposite sex,
enduring hardships, suffering untold privations, and hazarding
her life for her adopted country, in its trying hour of need.
In the opinion of many, it is the privilege of woman to minis
ter to the sick and soothe the sorrowing — and in the present crisis
of our country's history, to aid our brothers to the extent of her
capacity — and whether duty leads her to the couch of luxury,
the abode of poverty, the crowded hospital, or the terrible bat
tle field — it makes but little difference what costume she as
sumes while in the discharge of her duties. — Perhaps she
should have the privilege of choosing for herself whatever may
be the surest protection from insult and inconvenience in her
blessed, self-sacrificing work.
The moral character of the work,— being true to virtue, pat
riotism, and philanthropy — together with the fine embellish
ments and neat mechanical execution — will, we trust, render
it an interesting and welcome visitor at every fireside.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Pages 17-28.
COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR MY HOME AND MY DUTY 1
ENLIST IN THE CAUSE EXCITEMENT AT THE WEST TROOPS
ON THE MARCH MOBS AT BALTIMORE TEMPORARY HOSPI
TALS UNAVOIDABLE EVILS BEGGING FOR COMFORTS — SUP
PLIES FOR THE SICK CAMP HOSPITALS THUNDER STORMS
IN CAMP A DYING OFFICER SOLDIERS IN THE PUBLIC
BUILDINGS PREPARATIONS FOR THE ADVANCE.
CHAPTER II.
Pages 29-41.
MARCHING ORDERS REMOVAL OF THE SICK A YOUNG PA
TIENT VISIT FROM HIS MOTHER MARCH TOWARD MANASSAS
COLLECTING SUPPLIES FATIGUES OF THE MARCH PREPA
RATIONS FOR BATTLE A CAMP PRAYER MEETING DIVISIONS
CHAPTER III.
Pages 41-54.
WATER FOR THE WOUNDED COL. CAMERON KILLED SCENES ON
THE BATTLE-FIELD BURNSIDfi's BRIGADE CAPTURE OF GRIF-
FIN'S AND RICKETT'S BATTERIES — REBELS REINFORCED — THE
PANIC AND RETREAT THE WOUNDED AT CENTERVILLE MY
RECONNOISSANCE AN INSANE WOMAN ON THE FIELD HIDING
FROM THE ENEMY RETURN TO THE WOUNDED EXPECTATION
OF CAPTURE ESCAPE FROM THE REBELS MY WALK TO ALEX
ANDRIA FOOTSORE AND WEARY ARRIVAL IN WASHINGTON
LETTERS FROM DEAD SOLDIERS' FRIENDS.
8 NURSE AND SPY.
CHAPTER IY.
Pages 55-70.
WASHINGTON AFTER BULL KUN DEMORALIZATION OF THE ARMY
SICK SOLDIERS HOSPITAL SCENES EXTRACTS FROM MY
JOURNAL SYMPATHY OF SOLDIERS FISHING FOR THE SICK
A FISH-LOVING DUTCHMAN REORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY
A VISIT TO THE PICKETS PICKET DUTIES AND 'DANGERS
THE ARMY INACTIVE MC CLELLAN's ADDRESS MARCHING OR
DERS AGAIN EMBARKATION OF THE ARMY FOR FORTRESS
MONROE THE CROWDED TRANSPORTS DESCRIPTION OF THE
MONITOR HER BUILD, ARMAMENT, TURRET AND ENGINES.
CHAPTER Y.
Pages 71-82.
ARRIVAL AT FORTRESS MONROE THE VILLAGE OF HAMPTON
VISITING THE CONTRABANDS ARRIVAL OF FUGITIVES A
REAL "CAMP MEETING" — FEEDING THE NEGROES — CAMP
MISERIES MULES MISS PERIWINKLE'S MULES THE COQUET
TISH, THE MORAL, THE HISTRIONIC, AND THE PATHETIC MULE
OUR JACK LINES OF LOVE MY BOX AND PRESENTS A
THREE-STORY CAKE A SERENADE AND SURPRISE PARTY
GOOD AND BAD CHAPLAINS THE MORALS OF THE ARMY
SLANDERS ABOUT SOLDIERS.
CHAPTER VI.
Pages 82-97.
THE MARCH TO YORKTOWN SCARCITY OF SUPPLIES CAMP
COOKERY DIFFERENT CHARACTERS IN THE ARMY ARRIVAL
OF TRAINS CHANGE OF CAMP TRYING TO SHELL US OUT
THE OLD SAW-MILL A CONSTANT TARGET ASSAULTS ON OUR
OUTPOSTS A REBEL APPEAL YORKTOWN AND VICINITY
.THE SITUATION BALLOON RECONNOISSANCES PROF. LOWE ON
HIGH REBEL VIXENS A CURIOUS VISIT — A STRANGE HOST
ESS SHE TRIES TO KILL ME — I WOUND HER AND CAPTURE
A PRISONER A CONVERSION — THE SECESH WOMAN BECOMES
A FEDERAL NURSE,
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VII.
Pages 97-109.
A LOST FRIEND DEATH OF LIEUTENANT JAMES V. HIS BURIAL
THE GRAVE BY NIGHT MY VOW A SOLDIER-CHAPLAIN
RECOGNITIONS IN HEAVEN DOUBTS AND DISSATISFACTION
CAPTURE OF A SPY MY EXAMINATIONS AT HEADQUARTERS
MY DISGUISE AS A SPY 1 AM METAMORPHOSED INTO A
CONTRABAND HIRED AS A COOK BISCUIT MAKING THE
DOCTOR'S TEA.
CHAPTER VIII.
Pages 110-121.
MY FIRST SECRET EXPEDITION MY WORK AMONG CONTRA
BANDS PICKAXE, SHOVEL AND WHEELBARROW COUNTING
THE GUNS IN A REBEL FORTIFICATION A CHANGE OF WORK
CARRYING WATER TO THE REBEL SOLDIERS GENERALS LEE
AND JOHNSON THE REBEL FORCE AT YORKTOWN A COUN
CIL OF WAR TURNING WHITE AGAIN A REBEL SPY LIEU
TENANT V.'S MURDERER ON PICKET DUTY MY RETURN TO
OUR LINES 1 PUT ON UNIFORM AND MAKE MY REPORT.
CHAPTER IX.
Pages 122-131.
EVACUATION OF YORKTOWN OUR ARMY ON THE DOUBLE
QUICK PURSUIT OF THE FUGITIVES THE ENEMY'S WORKS—
A BATTLE ON THE FIELD A " WOUNDED," AND NOT IN
JURED COLONEL CARRYING THE WOUNDED FORT MAGRU-
DER SILENCED THE VICTORY WON BURYING THE DEAD
STORY OF A RING — WOUNDED REBELS A BRAVE YOUNG
SERGEANT CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS A SOLDIER'S DEATH-BED
CLOSING SCENES LAST WORDS.
10 NURSE AND SPY.
CHAPTER X.
Pages 137-146.
MC CLELLAN'S DESPATCH FROM EWELL'S FARM — CALL FOR REIN
FORCEMENTS NEWS FROM NORFOLK DESCRIPTION OF THE
MERRIMAC THE ENGAGEMENT IN HAMPTON ROADS FIRST
AND LAST FIGHT OF THE MERRIMAC VICTORY OF THE MONI
TOR ADVANCE ON THE PENINSULA THE BATTLE SONG A
MUDDY MARCH ON THE CHICKAHOMINY CRITICAL POSITION
OF GENERAL BANKS THE PRESIDENT'S DESPATCHES MC-
CHAPTER XL
Pages 147-160.
ANOTHER DISGUISE 1 BECOME AN IRISH PEDDLER FEVER AND
AGUE A NIGHT OF SUFFERING IN THE SWAMP RETROSPEC
TION LOST IN THE SWAMP CANNON MY GUIDES A SICK
REBEL 1 FIND SOMETHING TO EAT MY NEW PATIENT
SYMPATHY FOR SUFFERING TALK WITH A DYING REBEL
A WILLING DETENTION EXTEMPORIZING A LIGHT THE LAST
HOUR SOLDIERS OF CHRIST THE CHAMBER OF DEATH.
CHAPTER XII.
Pages 161-173.
AM i A STOIC? — SOMEONE'S DARLING — COMPLETING MY DIS
GUISE ANOTHER START FOR THE REBEL LINES PEPPERING
MY EYES CHALLENGED BY A PICKET A COCKNEY SENTINEL
GETTING INFORMATION PLENTY OF BEEF, BUT NO SALT
RICE AND CORN MEAL BREAD PREPARING TO VISIT HEAD-
QUARTERS-^— INTERVIEW WITH MAJOR MC KEE THE MAJOR'S
MISPLACED CONFIDENCE RETURN FOR THE BODY OF THE
REBEL CAPTAIN MY LOOK-OUT FOR YANKEES NEW ORDERS.
CONTENTS. 11
CHAPTER XIII.
Pages 173-186.
OUR COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE CHICKAHOMINY PORTER?S
SUCCESSES DESPATCHES TO THE PRESIDENT HIS REPLY
HANOVER COURT HOUSE TERRIBLE STORM AND FLOOD
HOPES OF THE ENEMY A SUDDEN AND STRONG ATTACK-^
I ACT AS AN ORDERLY THROUGH THE FLOOD MY RETURN
AND REPORT JOYFUL NEWS MY OWN DISASTER SCENES
IN THE OLD MILL WAITING ON THE WOUNDED — MY SUFFER
INGS BY THE ROADSIDE A HARD-HEARTED CHAPLAIN- —A
STUMBLING BLOCK.
CHAPTER XIY.
Pages 1SG-196.
RENEWAL OF THE BATTLE VICTORY FOR THE FEDERAL ARMS
ADDRESS TO THE ARMY MORE DESPATCHES MY BATTLE TRO
PHY—PONY REB'S PERFORMANCES THE HOSPITAL TREE
TOUCHING SCENES BISHOP SIMPSON THE CROSS AND THE
FLAG AFTER THE BATTLE DELAYS BY STORMS, FLOODS AND
MUD — MC CLELLAN'S CALL FOR MORE MEN — IN READINESS TO
MARCH PROMISED REINFORCEMENTS.
CHAPTER XV.
Pages 197-206.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE VISIT TO THE WILLIAMSBURG HOSPITALS
EFFECTIVE PREACHING YORKTOWN REVISITED — LONGINGS
WHITE HOUSE LANDING TIRED OF IDLENESS PREPARATIONS
TO RETURN TO DUTY STUART'S CAVALRY R~AID A TRAIN
FIRED INTO FAIR OAKS GROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE EN
EMY TRYING TIMES ON THE PENINSULA THE ENDURANCE
OF OUR SOLDIERS LABORS OF MR. ALVORD.
12 NURSE AND SPY.
CHAPTER XYI.
Pages 207-219.
CHANGE OF BASE ACROSS THE PENINSULA EVACUATION OP
WHITE HOUSE — THE MOVEMENT BATTLE OF MECHANICS-
VILLE GAINES' MILL A REPULSE MC CLELLAN's DESPATCH
HOSPITALS IN DANGER — CONVALESCENT OFFICERS LENDING
MY HORSE A LOTTERY INSPECTING FARM STOCK CATCHING
A COLT DANGER OF CAPTURE RIDING FOR LIFE BETWEEN
TWO FIRES.
CHAPTER XVII.
Pages 219-233.
WITHDRAWAL TO HALVE RN HILL THE SOLDIER^ LAST WATCH
TROWBRIDGE'S GRAVE — SCENES IN A HOSPITAL — CAPTURE OF
THE WOUNDED A NOBLE SURGEON LINE OF BATTLE HARD
FIGHTING THE ENEMY REPULSED HUNTING FOR FOOD IN A
FARM-HOUSE PERILOUS POSITION SECURING THE SPOILS
RELIEF OF THE FAMISHING SUBLIME SCENE ON THE
MARCH — GENERAL KEYES GUN-BOATS ARRIVAL AT HARRI-
SON's LANDING SAD CONDITION OF TROOPS OUR LOSSES
MC CLELLAN'S ADDRESS TO THE ARMY
CHAPTER XVIII.
Pages 233-248.
RETURN OF OLD ACQUAINTANCES — THE WOUNDED COLONEL 1
VISIT WASHINGTON — MILITARY DISPLAY — EPAULETS ARISTOC
RACY — SPIRIT OF JOHNNY BULL SOLDIERS* FREE LIBRARY
CONTRABAND CAMP NEGRO TESTIMONY — PATIENT CHARLEY
PAINFUL POSITION BROTHER'S LAST CONVERSATION — RETURN
TO THE ARMY — CHRISTIAN COMMISSION GENERAL HOWARD'S
SPEECH.
CONTENTS. 13
CHAPTER XIX.
Pages 249-2 GO.
MY CONSTANT COMPANION DISPELLING THE BLUES GENTLE
NELLIE FACES IN THE HOSPITAL ASLEEP AND AWAKE MY
HORSE AGAIN AT HARRISON'S LANDING IMPATIENT TO MOVE
DISSATISFACTION IN THE ARMY — RETREAT FROM RICHMOND
RETURN TO NEWPORT NEWS— SUSPICIOUS QUARTERS— SEARCHING
THE HOUSE AND FINDING REBEL SOLDIERS THANKS TO THE
ARMY — OUR ARRIVAL AT ACQUIA CREEK.
CHAPTER XX.
Pages 261-273.
iL S REQUEST —
ENTERING THE REBEL LINES AS A SPY MY ESCAPE TO THE
FEDERAL LINES IN PERIL KEARNEY KILLED CRAWLING
THROUGH THE WOODS BURIAL OF A PICKET LOOKING FOR
A GENERAL MR. NEGATIVE MC CLELLAN AND POPE THE
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM A TOUCHING DEATH-SCENE AN IN
TERESTING PATIENT BURIAL OF A FEMALE SOLDIER.
CHAPTER XXL
Pages 273-285.
AFTER ANTIETAM SURGEONS ON THE FIELD THE HOSPITALS
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL DWIGHT MORTALLY WOUNDED A BRU
TAL SURGEON A WOUNDED CAPTAIN AGONY FROM THIRST
CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS PRAYING AND FIGHTING FOPS ON
THE FIELD A REBEL PROGRAMME PENNSYLVANIA TO BE
STRIPPED CAMP LIFE — DAILY ROUTINE BURIAL SERVICES.
14 NURSE AND SPY.
CHAPTER XXII.
Pages 286-296.
A MILITARY EXECUTION THE PREPARATIONS THE DEATH
HARPER'S FERRY — OLD JOHN BROWN — CONTRAST — ADVANCE
INTO VIRGINIA CONDITION OF THE ARMY A DREARY RIDE
A GREEN GUARD SEEKING SHELTER A GUERRILLA FIGHT
MY HORSE KILLED — PLAYING POSSUM MY POCKETS PICKED
A NARROW ESCAPE RETURN TO CAMP AN INTERESTING
MEETING.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Pages 297-308
MC CLELLAN REMOVED HIS ADDRESS BURNSIDE IN COMMAND
ON THE MARCH MY RIDE OLD BATTLEFIELDS SAD SIGHTS
" YANKEE SKULLS " " BONE ORNAMENTS " FALMOUTH
SHELLING FREDERICKSBURG — -PONTOON' BRIDGES OCCUPATION
OF THE CITY AIDE-DE-CAMP DREADFUL SLAUGHTER A GAL
LANT MAJOR — STRANGE SIGHTS DARK NIGHT DEATH OF
GENERAL BAYARD — SOMEONE'S PET RECROSSING THE RAP-
PAHANNOCK.
CHAPTER XXIY.
Pages 309-318.
AFTER THE BATTLE SUFFERINGS OF THE WOUNDED GENERAL
BURNSIDE'S ORDER — " STUCK IN THE MUD " — HOOKER IN COM
MAND — WESTERN CAMPAIGN CAVALRY RECONNOISSANCE
ANOTHER DISGUISE AGAIN IN DIXIE A WEDDING PARTY
IN A TRAP — REBEL CONSCRIPT ON THE MARCH A REBEL
CAPTAIN A FIERCE ENGAGEMENT PAYING A DEBT OF GRAT-'
ITUDE AGAIN UNDER THE OLD FLAG.
CONTENTS. 15
CHAPTER XXV.
Pages 319-330.
APPOINTED DETECTIVE 1 VISIT LOUISVILLE SECESH ACQUAINT
ANCES SEEKING EMPLOYMENT PEDDLING REBEL SPIES — •
ACTING AS CLERK TRAPPING SPIES — START FOR VICKSBURG
PRO-SLAVERY TROOPS CRUELTY TO NEGROES VISITING HOS
PITALS — TOUCHING SCENES — AN ARMLESS SOLDIER PATIENT
SUFFERING TRIUMPHANT DEATH RALLY ROUND THE FLAG
WESTERN CHAPLAINS SOLDIERS* TESTIMONY— EFFECT OF
PRAYER IN BATTLE — CARRYING THE WOUNDED.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Pages 331-340.
A UNIONIST FROM THE REBEL ARMY HIS TESTIMONY SOUTH
ERN HOSPITALS — PATRIOTISM FEMALE RECRUITING — CRINO
LINE " SWEET LITTLE MAN " CONFEDERATE SYSTEM NORTH
AND SOUTH CONTRASTED REBEL IMPRESSMENT BROTHERS*
CRUELTY DYING FOR THE UNION FATE OF A TENNESSEE
PATRIOT ON THE MISSISSIPPI INVISIBLE ATTRACTION AN
IMPORTANT QUESTION MORAL SUBLIMITY CONTRABANDS JU'
BILEE.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Pages 341-353.
ARRIVAL AT VICKSBURG ITS SURROUNDINGS — GRANTS ARMY-
ASSAULT ON THE REBEL WORKS THE SEVEN COLOR-BEARERS
— PEMBERTON'S HARANGUE — IN THE TRENCHES — SUFFERINGS
OF THE WOUNDED PEMBERTON?S PROPOSED CAPITULATION
GRANT'S REPLY — TERMS OF SURRENDER — OCCUPATION OF THE
CITY LOSS OF THE ENEMY COMPLIMENTARY LETTER
GRANT'S SUCCESS — ATTACHMENT OF HIS SOLDIERS — "FIGHT
ING DICK" GOLD LACE REBEL SUFFERINGS — SIGHTS IN
VICKSBURG INCIDENTS OF THE SIEGE — CAVE LIFE.
1G . N r KSI; AN D SPY.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
WKSTKRN (511515 \1 I' A 15 THK
KXCIIANOKD FOR THE STARS AND STRIPES — ENTHUSIASM »>K
TROOPS SIKKKUINOS KOK<;OTTEN — I AM ATTAOKSD Bl nryiR
UNFIT FOR DUTY "VK'KSHrucJ IS OVHs"— SPIRIT YKAKN-
|\(,s -MROOI MK. TO 8LKKP MOTHER" IMPOSITION OF
HTKAMI'.OAT O KKH'KKS— O RAWl'S CAUK FOR HIS MKN
lit KSHNi; OK A SHKl.L IN CAMP— rONsKiJl KN< KlMl-
LESS AiiON\--I AM RKl.KASKD KKOM 1>UTY MY TRIP TO
CAIRO— MISS MAi;\ SAKKOKD — AUK1VAL AT WASHINGTON.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Pages Ml-m,
KK.MKNV OK HOSPITAL AND CAMP LIFE QrF.SnOXS ANSWKRKD
HKiiiNU TMK SCENES — lU.KssF.n BMPLO7MKKT LIVING I-AST
M-l'NKS OVKJl At, UN -MY MOST IMPORTANT I- AMORS MOTHKU
AM> SON I1RANO1 ro\\i-:u OK svMPAriiv -HKKO'S REPO
OKKICKKS AM» M 1. N --TMK IUJAYKST AIIK KIM' i.KAL
SI:PI;\YU-K •BATTL1 IOJBNE8— MR. AI.YOUP'S UKSI-UHTION —
voi i M-Ki-K si ia;i:i'Ns nrvur su-KK.NiN\; BIOHT8— JL» A\\ KI i.
ril'lTKK Fl-'.M U.K. Nl K -MMI N1AI -PATRIOTIC MKOI-
CAL ni:rAur.Mi:N r — voi NI; siiua.oNs — AM:^DOTES.
CIIATTKr, XXX.
Ta-v.s :\1 1
l\i 10KNTS— rKOKK.sSOK l.ONYK.'s IU1.1.OON FITZ JOHN
I'.MilT.K's Ain KNl'l UK. Hlfl \ I'\YAKH Kl li! 1 1 I'— K Kl'OX XOU'KUIKO
• M A DAFOKROUa POWTIOJT— COOL OOORAO1 — KsnirsiAS-
" TIC BRllTlFfl AN K.AKNKST 1 X i>K IK I'M — \ HA1M1SM IN THE
AKNH KKK.AlMHNii UY MOOM.HIlir^A M A i! N I KU' K N r SCK.XE
A WIDDIirfl IN i UIP -OA1 riMKs — A OOMTRA8T— «O8PITAl IN
YvtNriiKsr: i; ^KIKIT OK RKVK.XISK — SAIU.K HK.KOINK — A WHITE
1>AUKK\ COLORED SOLDIERS— OOHCLU8IOF,
NURSE AND SPY.
CHAPTER I.
COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR MY HOME AND MY DUTY 1
ENLIST IN THE CAUSE EXCITEMENT AT THE WEST TROOPS
ON THE MARCH MOBS AT BALTIMORE TEMPORARY HOSPI
TALS UNAVOIDABLE EVILS BEGGING FOR COMFORTS — SUP
PLIES FOR THE SICK CAMP HOSPITALS THUNDER STORMS
IN CAMP A DYING OFFICER — SOLDIERS IN THE PUBLIC
BUILDINGS PREPARATIONS FOR THE ADVANCE.
EARLY in the spring of 1861, I was returning
from the far West, and as I sat waiting for
the train which was to bear me to my adopted
home in New England, and was meditating upon
the events which- had transpired during the past
few months, the record of which was destined to
blacken the fair pages of American history, I was
aroused from my reverie by a voice in the street
crying "New York Herald — Fall of Fort Sumter
• — President's Proclamation — Call for seventy-five
thousand men !" This announcement startled me,
while my imagination portrayed the coming strug
gle in all its fearful magnitude. War, civil war,
with all its horrors seemed inevitable, and even
then was ready to burst like a volcano upon the
2
18 MY HOME MY DUTY.
most happy and prosperous nation the sun ever
shone upon. The contemplation of this sad pic
ture filled my eyes with tears and my heart with
sorrow.
It is true, I was not an American — I was not
obliged to remain here during this terrible strife —
I could return to my native land where my pa
rents would welcome me to the home of my child
hood, and my brothers and sisters would rejoice
at my coming. But these were not the thoughts
which occupied my mind. It was not my inten
tion, or desire, to seek my own personal ease and
comfort while so much sorrow and distress filled
the land. But the great question to be decided,
was, what can I do ? What part am / to act in
this great drama ? I was not able to decide for
myself — so I carried this question to the Throne
of Grace, and found a satisfactory answer there.
Five years previous to the time of which I
write, I left my rural home, not far from the banks
of the St. John's River, in the Province of New
Brunswick, and made my way to the United
States. An insatiable thirst for education led me
to do this, for I believed then, as now, that the
" Foreign Missionary " field was the one in which
I must labor, sooner or later. I came here a
stranger, with but little to recommend me to the
favorable notice of the good people, except a
letter from the Pastor of the church to which I
belonged, and one from my class-leader — notwith-
IE N LIST IN THE CAUSE. 19
standing, I found kind friends to help me in all my
undertakings, and whether in business, education,
or spiritual advancement, I have been assisted
beyond my highest expectation. I thank God
that I am permitted in this hour of my adopted
country's need to express a tithe of the gratitude
which I feel toward the people of the Northern
States.
Ten days after the President's proclamation
was issued, I was ready to start for Washington,
having been employed by the Government, and
furnished with all the necessary equipments. I
was not merely to go to Washington and remain
there until a battle had been fought and the
wounded brought in, and then in some comfortable
hospital sit quietly and fan the patients, after the
Surgeon had dressed their wounds ; but I was to
go to the front and participate in all the excite
ment of the battle scenes, or in other words, be a
u FIELD NURSE."
The great West was stirred to its center, and
began to look like a vast military camp. Recruit
ing offices were filled with men eager to enroll
their names as defenders of their country — and
women were busily engaged in preparing all the
comforts that love and patriotism could suggest,
for those who were so soon to go forth to victory
or to death, while the clash of arms and strains
of martial music almost drowned the hum of indus
try, and war became the theme of every tongue.
20 TROOPS ON THE MARCH.
About this time I witnessed the departure of
the first western troops which started for Wash-
ington. The regiments were drawn up in line —
fully equipped for their journey — with their bright
bayonets flashing in the morning sunlight. It was
on the principal street of a pleasant little village
of about a thousand inhabitants, where there was
scarcely a family who had not a father, husband,
son, or brother in that little band of soldiers who
stood there ready to bid them farewell, perhaps
for years — perhaps forever. A farewell address
was delivered by the village Pastor, and a new
Testament presented to each soldier, with the fol
lowing inscription : u Put your trust in God — and
keep your powder dry." Then came the leave-
taking — but it is too painful to dwell upon — the
last fond word was spoken, the last embrace given,
then came the order " march " — and amid the
cheers of the citizens — with banners proudly
floating, and the bands playing " The Star Span
gled Banner," they moved forward on their way
to the Capital. On looking back now upon the
scenes of that morning, notwithstanding I have
looked upon others much more thrilling since then,
yet I cannot recall that hour without feelings of
deep emotion. While I stood there and beheld
those manly forms convulsed with emotion, and
heard the sobs of those whom they were leaving
behind, I could only thank God that I was free
and could go forward and work, and was not
MOBS AT BALTIMORE. 21
obliged to stay at home and weep. A few hours
more, and I, too, was on my way to Washington.
When I reached Baltimore I found the city in
an uproar — mobs were gathered in the streets and
the utmost excitement prevailed : and as the
crowded cars moved through the city toward the
depot, the infuriated mob threw showers of stones,
brickbats, and other missiles, breaking the windows
and wounding some of the soldiers. Some of the
men could not forbear firing into the crowd —
notwithstanding their orders were to the contrary
— however, it had a good effect, for the mob soon
dispersed ; they probably had not forgotten the
Sixth Massachusetts and the Pennsylvania troops
which had passed through a short time before.
The cars soon reached the depot, and started
immediately for Washington — where we arrived
in due time — weary, and in great need of food
and sleep.
Soon after reaching Washington I commenced
visiting the temporary hospitals which were pre
pared to receive the soldiers who arrived there
sick. The troops came pouring in so fast, and the
weather being extremely warm, all the general
hospitals were soon filled, and it seemed impossi
ble to prepare suitable, or comfortable, accommo
dations for all who required medical attention.
There are many things in connection with this
war that we are disposed to find fault with, and
we think the blame rests upon such and such
22 TEMPORARY HOSPITALS.
individuals — but after investigating the matter,
we find that they are all owing to a combination
of circumstances entirely beyond the control of
those individuals — and it requires time to bring
about the desired results. This has been my ex
perience with regard to the hospital department.
After walking through the streets for hours on
a sultry southern day in search of one of those
temporary hospitals, I would find a number of men
there delirious with fever — others had been sun-
struck and carried there — but no physician to be
found in attendance. Then, I would naturally
come to the conclusion that the surgeons were all
slack concerning their duty — but upon going to
the office of the Surgeon in charge of that de
partment, would find that a certain number of
surgeons were detailed every morning to visit
those hospitals, and were faithfully performing
their duty ; but that the number of hospitals and
patients were increasing so fast that it required
all day to make the tour. Consequently the last
ones visited were obliged to wait and suffer —
without any blame attaching to the surgeons.
Then another great evil was to be remedied —
there were thousands of sick men to be taken care
of— but for these the Government had made no
provision as regards more delicate kinds of food
— nothing but hard bread, coffee and pork, for
sick and well, alike. The Sanitary Commission
had not yet come into operation and the conse-
BEGGING FOR COMFORTS. 23
quence was our poor sick soldiers suffered un
speakably from want of proper nourishment. I
was speaking upon this subject one day to Chap
lain B. and his wife — my constant companions in
hospital labor — when Mrs. B. suggested that she
and I should appeal to the sympathies of the
ladies of Washington and Georgetown, and try
our hand at begging. I agreed to the proposal
at once, and wondered why I had not thought of
it myself — among all my schemes for alleviating
the sufferings of these men, it had never entered
into my head to leg for them. We decided to go
to Georgetown first and if we succeeded there,
to canvass Washington. So we started, and com
menced operations by calling first upon a clergy
man's wife. We made inquiry there with regard
to our prospects of success, and the sentiments
of the ladies generally upon the war question,
and finding that the majority were in our favor,
we started again quite hopefully — but not until
the lady above mentioned had given us an order
on her grocer to the amount of five dollars. I
gave Sister B. the credit of that, for I had intro
duced her as the wife of the Rev. Mr. B., chap-
lain of the 7th. Then I suggested that we should
separate for a few hours — she to take one street
and I another, so that we might sooner get
through the city. My next call was at a doctor's
mansion, but I did not find the lady at home ;
however, I learned that the doctor in question
24 SUPPLIES FOR THE SICK.
kept a drug-store near by ; she might be there ;
went, but found no lady ; thought fit to make my
business known to the doctor, and the conse
quence was, half a dozen bottles of blackberry
wine and two of lemon syrup, with a cordial in
vitation to call again. So prospered our mission
throughout the day, and at the close of it we had
a sufficient supply of groceries, brandy, ice, jellies,
etc., to fill our little ambulance; and oh, what a
change those little delicacies wrought upon our
poor sick boys. We were encouraged by that
day's work, to continue our efforts in that direc
tion, and finally made Dr. W.'s store a depot for
the donations of those kind friends who wished
to assist us in restoring to health the defenders of
our beloved country.
Typhoid fever began to make its appearance in
camp, as the burning sun of June came pouring
down upon us, and the hospitals were soon crowd
ed with its victims. It was then that my labors
began in earnest, and as I went from tent to tent,
ministering to the wants of those delirious, help
less men, I wondered if there ever was a u Mis
sionary Field " which promised a richer harvest,
than the one in which I was already engaged;
and oh, how thankful I was that it was my privi
lege to take some small part in so great a work.
I shall notice, briefly, the manner in which the
hospitals are conducted in camp. There are large
tents furnished for hospital purposes, which will
CAMP HOSPITALS. 25
accommodate from twenty to twenty-five men.
These tents are usually put up in the most pleasant
and shady part of the camp ; the inside is nicely
leveled, and board floors laid, if boards can be
procured, if not, rubber blankets are laid down
instead. Sometimes there are straw ticks and
cot bedsteads furnished, but not in sufficient quan
tity to supply all the hospitals. Along each side
of the tent the sick are laid, on blankets or cots,
leaving room to pass between the beds. In the
center of the tent stands a temporary board table,
on which are kept books, medicines, et cetera.
The hospital corps consists of a surgeon, an assist
ant surgeon, a hospital steward, a ward-master,
four nurses, two cooks, and a man of all work to
carry water, cut wood, and make himself generally
useful. The immediate care of the sick devolves
upon those four nurses, who are generally detail
ed from the ranks, each one being on duty six
hours without intermission. The surgeons visit
the patients twice every day, oftener if required ;
the prescriptions are filled by the hospital steward,
and the medicine is administered by the nurses.
The nurses are usually very kind to the sick, and
when off duty in the hospital, spend much of their
time in digging drains around the tents, planting
evergreens, and putting up awnings, all of which
add much to the coolness and comfort of the hos
pital. Draining the grounds is a very important
part of hospital duty, for when those terrible
26 TERRIFIC THUNDER STORMS.
thunder-storms come, which are so frequent in the
south, it is morally impossible to keep the tent
floors from being flooded, unless there are drains
all around the tents. Great excitement prevails
in camp during those tempests — the rain comes
down in torrents, while the wind blows a hurri
cane — lifting the tents from the ground, and
throwing everything into wild confusion. I have
seen a dozen men stand for hours around one hos
pital, holding down the ropes and tent poles to
prevent the sick from being exposed to the raging
elements.
In one of those storms, I saw a tent blown
down, in which one of our officers lay suffering
from typhoid fever. We did our best to keep
him dry until a stretcher could be procured, but
all in vain. Notwithstanding we wrapped him in
rubber blankets and shawls, yet the rain penetra
ted them all, and by the time he was carried to a
house, a quarter of a mile distant, he was com
pletely drenched. He was a noble fellow and I
love to speak of him. Mrs. B. and I remained with
him alternately until he died, which was five days
from that time. We sent for his wife, who ar
rived just in time to see him die. He was un
conscious when she came, and we were standing
around his cot watching every shadow which the
sable wing of advancing death cast upon his fea
tures, and eagerly looking for a single ray of re
turning reason. He looked up suddenly, and
A DYING OFFICER. 27
seeing his wife standing weeping, he beckoned
her to come to him. Kneeling beside him, she
bent her ear close to the lips of the dying man.
He whispered distinctly, " I am going — the way
is bright, don't weep — farewell!" A little later
he was asked, " What is the foundation of your
hope of Heaven ?" His face was calm and beau
tiful in its expression, and his splendid dark eyes
lit up with holy confidence and trust, as he re
plied, "Christ— Christ!" These were his last
words. Glorious words for a dying soldier. He
lingered a few hours, and then quietly and peace
fully breathed out his life. So passed away one
of the most exemplary men it has ever been my
lot to meet, either in the army or elsewhere The
same day, the sorrowing widow, with the remains
of her beloved and noble husband, started for
her northern home ; and that Christian patriot now
sleeps in a beautiful little cemetery near the city
of Detroit, Michigan, having rendered up his life
a willing sacrifice for his country.
Mrs. B. was desirous of visiting some of the
public buildings in Washington and wished me to
accompany her. I did so, but found that it was
almost impossible to get along through the crowd
ed streets. The gallant troops were coming in by
thousands from every loyal State in the Union,
The Capitol and White House were common pla
ces of resort for soldiers. Arms were stacked in
the rotunda of the one and the lobbies of the
28 THE GRAND ARMY.
other, while our " noble boys in blue " lounged in
the cushioned seats of members of Congress, or
reclined in easy chairs in the President's Mansion.
Camps of instruction were prepared near the
city, while every hillside and valley for miles
around was thickly dotted with snow white tents.
Soldiers drilling, fatigue parties building forts,
artillery practicing, and the supply trains moving
to and from the various headquarters, presented
a picture deeply interesting. As I rode from
camp to camp and contemplated that immense
army concentrating its force on the banks of the
Potomac, and saw with what zeal and enthusiasm
the soldiers entered upon their duties, I could but
feel assured of the speedy termination of the
conflict, and look forward with eager anticipation
to the day when that mighty host would advance
upon the enemy, and like an overwhelming tor
rent sweep rebellion from the land.
CHAPTER II.
MARCHING ORDERS — REMOVAL OF THE SICK — A TOTING PA
TIENT VISIT FROM HIS MOTHER MARCH TOWARD MANASSAS
COLLECTING SUPPLIES FATIGUES OF THE MARCH PREPA
RATIONS FOR BATTLE A CAMP PRAYER MEETING DIVISIONS
DETAILED — MY PLACE ON THE FIELD " RATHER CLOSE QUAR-
TERS " A BATTLE SUNDAY SKULKING FROM THE FIELD.
MARCHING ORDERS received to-day— two
days more, and the Army of the Potomac
will be on its way to Bull Run. I find this reg
istered in my journal July 15th, 1861, without
any comment whatever. But I do not require a
journal to refresh my memory with regard to the
events of those two days of preparation which
followed their announcement. The Army of the
Potomac was soon to meet the enemy for the first
time — a great battle was to be fought. Oh, what
excitement and enthusiasm that order produced—
nothing could be heard but the wild cheering of
the men, as regiment after regiment received their
orders. The possibility of a defeat never seemed
to enter the mind of any. All the sick in camp
now were to be sent to Washington, clothes
changed, knapsacks packed, letters written home,
packages sent to the express office, etc. After all
was done, everything in readiness, and the sick
men tenderly laid in the ambulances, Mrs. B. said :
30
A YOUNG PATIENT.
" Now let us go to every ambulance and bid the
boys good-bye." As we passed along from one
ambulance to another, speaking words of encour
agement to each soldier, many a tear would start
from grateful eyes, and many a feeble voice utter
ed an earnest " God bless you," while others
would draw from their bosoms some cherished
relic, and give as a token of remembrance. Oh
how hard it was to part with those men, with
whom we had watched so many weary days and
nights — we felt that they had, truly, "become
endeared to us through suffering."
There was one patient, however, we did not put
into an ambulance, and who was a great source
of anxiety to us. He lay there upon a stretcher
close by, waiting to be carried to a house not far
distant. He was young, not seventeen, with clear
blue eyes, curly auburn hair, and a broad, white
brow ; his mother's pride, and an only son. Two
weeks previously he had been attacked with ty
phoid fever. The surgeon said, "You may do
all you can for him, but it is a hopeless case."
Mrs. B. had devoted most of her time to him and
I was often called to assist her. He was delirious
and became quite unmanageable at times, and it
required all the strength we possessed to keep
him in bed ; but now the delirium of fever had
passed away and he was helpless as an infant.
We had written for his mother to come if possi
ble, and had just received a letter from her, sta-
VISIT FROM HIS MOTHER. 31
ting that she was on her way to Washington ; but
would she come before we were obliged to leave ?
Oh, we hoped so, and were anxiously looking
for her.
The ambulances started with their freight of
emaciated, suffering men. Slowly that long train
wound its way toward the city looking like a great
funeral procession, and sadly we turned to our
remaining patient, who was deeply affected at the
removal of his comrades. He was then carried
to the house above mentioned and a nurse left to
take care of him, while we were obliged to pre
pare for our own comfort on the long weary march
which was so near at hand. We had just com
menced to pack our saddle-bags, when we heard
an unusual noise, as of some one crying piteously,
and going out to learn the cause of the excite
ment, whom should we find but the mother of
our handsome blue-eyed patient. She had called
at the surgeon's tent to inquire for her son, and
he had told her that all the sick had been sent to
Washington, he having forgotten for the moment,
the exception with regard to her son. The first
words I heard were spoken in the most touching
manner — " Oh, why did you send away my boy ?
I wrote you I was coming ; Oh, why did you send
him away!"
I shall never forget the expression of that
mother's face as she stood there wringing her
hands and repeating the question. We very soon
32 MARCH TOWARD MANASSAS.
rectified the mistake which the surgeon had made,
and in a few moments she was kneeling by the
bedside of her darling boy, and we returned re
joicing that it had been our privilege to " deliver
him to his mother." Oh, how many, who come
to Washington in search of loved ones, are caused
unnecessary pain, yes, weeks of torturing sus
pense and fruitless search, in consequence of some
little mistake on the part of a surgeon, a nurse,
or some person who is supposed to know just
where the sought for are to be found.
The 17th of July dawned bright and clear, and
everything being in readiness, the Army of the
Potomac took up its line of march for Manassas.
In gay spirits the army moved forward, the air
resounding with the music of the regimental
bands, and patriotic songs of the soldiers. No
gloomy forebodings seemed to damp the spirits
of the men, for a moment, but "On to Rich
mond," was echoed and re-echoed, as that vast
army moved rapidly over the country. I felt
strangely out of harmony with the wild, joyous
spirit which pervaded the troops. As I rode
slowly along, watching those long lines of bayo
nets as they gleamed and flashed in the sunlight,
I thought that many, very many, of those enthu
siastic men who appeared so eager to meet the
enemy, would never return to relate the success
or defeat of that splendid army. Even if victory
should perch upon their banners, and I had no
CAMP AT FAIRFAX. 33
doubt it would, yet many noble lives must be sac
rificed ere it could be obtained.
The main column reached Fairfax toward eve
ning and encamped for the night. Col. II. 's wife
of the Second - — , Mrs. B. and myself were, I
think, the only three females who reached Fair
fax that night. The day had been extremely
hot, and not being accustomed to ride all day
beneath a burning sun, we felt its effects very
sensibly, and consequently, hailed with joy the
order to encamp for the night. Notwithstanding
the heat and fatigue of the day's march, the troops
were in high spirits, and immediately began pre
paring supper. Some built fires while others
went in search of, and appropriated, every availa
ble article which might in any way add to the
comfort of hungry and fatigued men.
The whole neighborhood was ransacked for
milk, butter, eggs, poultry, etc. which were found;
insufficient in quantity to supply the wants of such
a multitude. There might have been heard some
stray shots fired in the direction of a field where
a drove of cattle were quietly grazing ; and soon
after the odor of fresh steak was issuing from
every part of the camp. I wish to state, howev
er, that all "raids", made upon hen-coops, etc.
were contrary to the orders of the General in
command, for during the day I had seen men put
under arrest for shooting chickens by the roadside.
I was amused to hear the answer of a hopeful
34 COLLECTING SUPPLIES.
young darkey cook, when interrogated with re
gard to the broiled chickens and beef steak which
he brought on for supper. Col. R. demanded, in
a very stern voice, "Jack, where did you get
that beef steak and those chickens?1' uMassa,
I'se carried dem cl'ar from Washington ; thought
I'd cook 'em 'fore dey sp'il'd " ; and then added,
with a broad grin, u I aint no thief, I aint." Col.
R. replied : u That will do, Jack, you can go
now." Then the Colonel told us how he had seen
Jack running out of a house, as he rode along,
and a woman ran out calling after him with all
her might, but Jack never looked behind him, but
escaped as fast as he could, and was soon out of
sight. Said he, "I thought the young rascal had
been up to some mischief, so I rode up and asked
the woman what was the matter, and found he had
stolen all her chickens ; I asked her how much
they were worth ; she u reckoned " about two dol
lars. I think she made a pretty good hit, for
after I paid her, she told me she had had only two
chickens." Supper being over, pickets posted, and
camp guards detailed, all became quiet for the
night.
Early the next morning the reveille beat, the
whole camp was soon in motion, and after a slight
breakfast from our haversacks the march was re
sumed. The day was very hot, and we found
great difficulty in obtaining water, the want of
which caused the troops much suffering. Many
FATIGUES OF THE MARCH. 35
of the men were sun-struck, and others began to
drop out of the ranks from exhaustion. All such
as were not able to march were put into ambulan
ces and sent back to Washington. Toward noon,
the tedium of the march began to be enlivened
by sharp volleys of musketry, in the direction of
the advance guard ; but those alarms were only
occasioned by our skirmishers, pouring a volley
into everything which looked as if it might con
tain a masked battery, or a band of the enemy's
sharpshooters.
Considerable excitement prevailed throughout
the day, as we were every hour in expectation of
meeting the enemy. Carefully feeling its way,
however, the army moved steadily on, investiga
ting every field, building, and ravine, for miles in
front and to the right and left, until it reached
Centerville, where we halted for the night.
The troops now began to feel the effects of the
march, and there was evidently a lack of that
pic-nic hilarity which had characterized them the
day before. Several regiments had been supplied
with new shoes the day before leaving camp, and
they found by sad experience, that they were not
the most comfortable things to march in, as their
poor blistered feet testified ; in many cases their
feet were literally raw, the thick woolen stockings
having chafed the skin off. Mrs. B. and I, hav
ing provided ourselves before leaving camp, with
a quantity of linen, bandages, lint, ointment, etc.
36 PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE.
found it very convenient now, even before a shot
had been fired by the enemy.
Our surgeons began to prepare for the coming
battle, by appropriating several buildings and fit
ting them up for the wounded — among others the
stone church at Centerville — a church which many
a soldier will remember, as long as memory lasts.
Late that evening as I was returning from this
church, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. B., I pro
posed that we should walk through the entire
camp to see how the boys were employed, on
this, the eve of their first battle. We found many
engaged in writing by the glimmering light of
the camp-fire — soldiers always carry writing ma
terials on a march ; some were reading their bibles,
perhaps with more than usual interest ; while oth
ers sat in groups, conversing in low earnest tones ;
but the great mass were stretched upon the
ground, wrapped in their blankets, fast asleep,
and all unconscious of the dangers of the morrow.
We were about to return to our quarters in a
log cabin built by the rebel soldiers, and which
had been evacuated only a few days previous,
when we heard several voices singing in a little
grove not far from camp. We turned and walked
toward the grove, until we could hear distinctly,
the words of the following beautiful hymn :
" 0, for a faith that will not shrink,
Though press'd by every foe,
That will not tremble on the brink
Of any earthly woe;
A CAMP PRAYER MEETING. 37
That will not murmur or complain
Beneath the chastening rod,
But, in the hour of grief and pain,
Will lean upon its God ;
A faith that shines more bright and clear
When tempests rage without ;
That, when in danger, knows no fear,
In darkness knows no doubt."
"Ah!" exclaimed Mr. B., UI recognize Willie
L.'s voice there. I understand now ; this is Wil
lie's prayer meeting night, and notwithstanding
the fatigue of the march and blistered feet, he has
not forgotten it." We drew nearer to listen to
and enjoy the exercises unperceived, for no sooner
had the last words of the hymn died away on the
still midnight air, than Willie's clear voice rose in
prayer, filling the grove with its rich, pathetic
tones. He prayed for victory on the morrow, for
his comrades, for loved ones at home, and his
voice grew tremulous with emotion, as he plead
with the Saviour to comfort and support his wid
owed mother, if he should fall in battle.
Then followed a practical talk about being faith
ful soldiers of Jesus, as well as of their beloved
country; of the necessity of being prepared at
any moment, to lay down the cross and take up
the crown. One after another prayed and spoke,
until about a dozen — and that included the whole
number present — had addressed the Throne of
Grace, and testified to the power of the Gospel
of Christ in the salvation of sinners. No one
38 DIVISIONS DETAILED.
was called upon to pray or speak, no one said he
had nothing to say and then talked long enough
to prove it, no one excused his inability to interest
his brethren, and no time was lost by delay, but
every one did his duty, and did it promptly. We
retired feeling refreshed and encouraged.
After ascertaining the position of the enemy,
Gen. McDowell ordered forward three divisions,
commanded by Heintzelman, Hunter and Tyler,
Miles being left in reserve at Centerville. Sun
day morning before dawn, those three divisions
moved forward, presenting a magnificent specta
cle, as column after column wound its way over
the green hills and through the hazy valleys, with
the soft moonlight falling on the long lines of
shining steel. Not a drum or bugle was heard
during the march, and the deep silence was only
broken by the rumbling of artillery, the muffled
tread of infantry, or the low hum of thousands
of subdued voices.
The divisions separated where three roads
branch off toward Bull Run, each taking the road
leading to its respective position. Soon the morn
ing broke bright and clear, bringing the two con
tending armies in plain sight of each other. The
enemy was posted on heights that rose in regular
slopes from the shore crowned here and there by
earthworks. The woods that interfered with his
cannon ranges had all been cut away, and his guns
a clean sweep of every approach. On our
MY PLACE ON THE FIELD. 39
side the descent was more gradual, and covered
with a dense forest. The roar of artillery soon
announced that the battle had actually commenced.
Mrs. B. and myself took our position on the
field, according to orders, in connection with Gen.
Heintzelman's division, having delivered our hor
ses to Jack for safe keeping, with strict orders to
remain where he was, for we might require them
at any moment. I imagine now, I see Mrs. B., as
she stood there, looking as brave as possible, with
her narrow brimmed leghorn hat, black cloth rid
ing habit, shortened to walking length by the use
of a page, a silver-mounted seven-shooter in her
belt, a canteen of water swung over one shoulder
and a flask of brandy over the other, and a haver
sack with provision, lint, bandages, adhesive
plaster, etc. hanging by her side. She was tall
and slender, with dark brown hair, pale face, and
blue eyes.
Chaplain B. sat upon his horse looking as-
solemn as if standing face to face with the angel
of death. The first man I saw killed was a gun
ner belonging to Col. R.'s command. A shell had
burst in the midst of the battery, killing one and
wounding three men and two horses. Mr. B.
jumped from his horse, hitched it to a tree, and
ran forward to the battery ; Mrs. B. and I follow
ing his example as fast as we could. I stooped
over one of the wounded, who lay upon his face
weltering in his blood ; I raised his head, and who
40 CLOSE QUARTERS.
should it be but Willie L. He was mortally-
wounded in the breast, and the tide of life was
fast ebbing away ; the stretchers were soon
brought, and he was carried from the field.
Seeing the disaster from a distance, Col. R.
rode up to the battery, and as he was engaged
in. giving orders, a solid shot came whizzing by
in such close proximity to his head, that it stunned
him for a moment ; but soon recovering, he turn
ed up the side of his head and shrugged his
shoulders, a peculiarity of his, and in his usual
nasal twang, said, "rather close quarters," and
rode away, apparently as unconcerned as if it had
been a humming bird which crossed his path.
But not content \\ ith admonishing the Colonel, the
same shot struck my poor little flask of brandy
which lay near me on a drum-head, shattering it
as spitefully as if sent by the combined force of
the Order of "Good Templars."
Now the battle began to rage with terrible fury.
Nothing could be heard save the thunder of ar
tillery, the clash of steel, and the continuous roar
of musketry. Oh, what a scene for the bright sun
of a holy Sabbath morning to shine upon ! In
stead of the sweet influences which we associate
with the Sabbath — the chiming of church bells
calling us to the house of prayer, the Sabbath
school, and all the solemn duties of the sanctuary,
there was confusion, destruction and death. There
was no place of safety for miles around; the
FATE OF SKULKERS. 41
safest place was the post of duty. Many that day
who turned their backs upon the enemy and
sought refuge in the woods some two miles dis
tant, were found torn to pieces by shell, or man
gled by cannon ball — a proper reward for those
who, insensible to shame, duty, or patriotism, de
sert their cause and comrades in the trying hour
of battle, and skulk away cringing under the fear
of death.
CHAPTER III.
WATER FOR THE WOUNDED COL. CAMERON KILLED—SCENES ON"
THE BATTLE-FIELD BURNSIDfi's BRIGADE CAPTURE OF GRIF-
FIN'S AND RICKETT'S BATTERIES — REBELS REINFORCED — THE
PANIC AND RETREAT — THE WOUNDED AT CENTERVILLE MY
RKCONNOISSANCE AN INSANE WOMAN ON THE FIELD HIDING
FROM THE ENEMY RETURN TO THE WOUNDED EXPECTATION
OF CAPTURE ESCAPE FROM THE REBELS MY WALK TO ALEX
ANDRIA FOOTSORE AND WEARY ARRIVAL IN WASHINGTON — •
LETTERS FROM DEAD SOLDIERS' FRIENDS.
I WAS hurried off to Centerville, a distance of
seven miles, for a fresh supply of brandy,
lint, etc. When I returned, the field was literally
strewn with wounded, dead and dying. Mrs. B.
was nowhere to be found. Had she been killed
or wounded ? A few moments of torturing sus
pense and then I saw her coming toward me, run
ning her horse with all possible speed, with about
fifty canteens hanging from the pommel of her
42 WATER FOR THE WOUNDED.
saddle. To all my inquiries there was but one
answer : u Don't stay to care for the wounded
now ; the troops are famishing with thirst and are
beginning to fall back.1' Mr. B. then rode up
with the same order, and we three started for a
spring a mile distant, having gathered up the
empty canteens which lay strewn on the field.
This was the nearest spring ; the enemy knew it,
and consequently had posted sharpshooters with
in rifle range to prevent the troops being supplied
with water. Notwithstanding this, we filled our
canteens, while the Minnie balls fell thick and fast
around us, and returned in safety to distribute the
fruits of our labor among the exhausted men.
We spent three hours in this manner, while the
tide of battle rolled on more fiercely than before,
until the enemy made a desperate charge on our
troops driving them back and taking full posses
sion of the spring. Chaplain B.'s horse was shot
through the neck and bled to death in a few mo
ments. Then Mrs. B. and I dismounted and went
to work again among the wounded.
Not long afterwards Col. Cameron, brother of
the Secretary of War, came dashing along the
line, shouting, u Come on boys, the rebels are in
full retreat." The words had scarcely been utter
ed when he fell, pierced to the heart by a bullet.
Surgeon P. was on the ground in an instant, but
nothing could be done for him ; his wound was
mortal, and he soon ceased to breathe. There
SCENES ON THE FIELD- 43
was no time to carry off the dead ; we folded his
arms across his breast, closed his eyes, and left
him in the cold embrace of death.
Still the battle continues without cessation ; the
grape and canister fill the air as they go screaming
on their fearful errand ; the sight of that field is
perfectly appalling; men tossing their arms wild
ly calling for help; there they lie bleeding, torn
and mangled ; legs, arms and bodies are crushed
and broken as if smitten by thunder-bolts ; the
ground is crimson with blood ; it is terrible to
witness. Burnside's brigade is being mown down
like grass by the rebel batteries ; the men are not
able to stand that terrible storm of shot and shell ;
they begin to waver and fall back slowly, but just
at the right moment Capt. Sykes comes up to their
relief with his command of regulars. They sweep
up the hill where Burnside's exhausted, shattered
brigade still lingers, and are greeted with a shout
of joy, such as none but soldiers, who are almost
overpowered by a fierce enemy, and are reinforced
by their brave comrades, can give.
Onward they go, close up to the cloud of flame
and smoke rolling from the hill upon which the
rebel batteries are placed — their muskets are lev
eled — there is a click, click — a sheet of flame — a
deep roll like that of thunder, and the rebel gun
ners are seen to stagger and fall. The guns be
come silent, and in a few moments are abandoned.
This seems to occasion great confusion in the rebel
44 CAPTURE OF BATTERIES.
ranks. Regiments were scattered, and officers
were seen riding furiously and shouting their or
ders, which were heard above the roar and din of
battle.
Captain Griffin's and Rickett's batteries are or
dered forward to an eminence from which the
rebels have been driven. They come into posi
tion and open a most destructive fire which com
pletely routs the enemy. The battle seems almost
won and the enemy is retreating in confusion.
Hear what rebel Gen. Johnson says of his pros
pects at that time, in his official report : " The
long contest against a powerful enemy, and heavy
losses, especially of field officers, had greatly dis
couraged the troops of Gen. Bee and Col. Evans.
The aspect of affairs was critical." Another
writes : " Fighting for hours under a burning sun,
without a drop of water, the conduct of our men
could not be excelled ; but human endurance has
its bounds, and all seemed about to be lost." This
goes to prove that it was a desperately hard fought
battle on both sides, and if no fresh troops had
been brought into the field, the victory would as
suredly have been OUTS.
But just as our army is confident of success,
and is following up the advantage which it has
gained, rebel reinforcements arrive and turn the
tide of battle. Two rebel regiments of fresh
troops are sent to make a flank movement in order
to capture Griffin's and Rickett's batteries. They
PANIC AND RETREAT. 45
march through the woods, reach the top of the
hill, and form a line so completely in our rear as
to fire almost upon the backs of the gunners.
Griffin sees them approach, but supposes them to
be his supports sent by Major Barry. However
looking more intently at them, he thinks they are
rebels, and turns his guns upon them. Just as he
is about to give the order to fire, Major B. rides
up shouting, u They are your supports, don't fire."
"No, sir, they are rebels," replied Capt. Griffin.
" I tell you, sir, they are your supports," said Major
B. In obedience to orders the guns were turned
again, and while in the act of doing so, the sup
posed supports fired a volley upon the gunners.
Men and horses went down in an instant. A mo
ment more and those famous batteries were in the
hands of the enemy.
The news of this disaster spread along our lines
like wildfire ; officers and men were alike con
founded ; regiment after regiment broke and ran,
and almost immediately the panic commenced.
Companies of cavalry were drawn up in line across
the road, with drawn sabers, but all was not suffi
cient to stop the refluent tide of fugitives. Then
came the artillery thundering along, drivers lash
ing their horses furiously, which greatly added to
the terror of the panic stricken thousands crowd
ed together en masse. In this manner we reached
Centerville where order was in some measure re~
stored.
46 WOUNDED AT CENTERVILLE.
Mrs. B. and I made our way to the stone church
around which we saw stacks of dead bodies piled
up, and arms and legs were thrown together in
heaps. But how shall I describe the scene within
the church at that hour. Oh, there was suffering
there which no pen can ever describe. One case
I can never forget. It was that of a poor fellow
whose legs were both broken above the knees, and
from the knees to the thighs they were literally
smashed to fragments. lie was dying ; but oh,
what a death was that. He was insane, perfectly
wild, and required two persons to hold him. In
flammation had set in, and was rapidly doing its
work ; death soon released him, and it was a re
lief to all present as well as to the poor sufferer.
I went to another dying one who was bearing
patiently all his sufferings. Oh, poor pale face !
1 see it now, with its white lips and beseeching
eyes ;, and then the touching inquiry, uDo you
think Til die before morning ?" I told him I
thought he would, and asked : " Has death any
terrors for you ?" He smiled that beautiful trust
ing smile which we sometimes see on the lips of
the dying saint, as he replied : " Oh no, I shall
soon be asleep in Jesus" ; and then in a low plain
tive voice he repeated the verse commencing,
Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep.
While I stood beside him thus, some one tapped
me on the shoulder. On turning round I was
beckoned to the side of one who was laid in a
DEATH OF WILLIE L. 47
corner, on the floor, with his face toward the wall.
I knelt beside him and asked : " What can I do
for you, my friend ?" He opened his eyes, with
an effort, and said, UI wish you to take that,"
pointing to a small package which lay beside him,
u keep it until you get to Washington, and then,
if it is not too much trouble, I want you to write
to mother and tell her how I was wounded, and
that I died trusting in Jesus." Then I knew that
I was kneeling beside Willie L. He was almost
gone — just ready u to lay down the cross and
take up the crown." lie signed to me to come
nearer ; and as I did so, he put his hand to his
head and tried to separate a lock of hair with his
fingers, but his strength failed ; however, I under
stood that he wished me to cut off a lock to send
to his mother with the package. When he saw
that I understood him he seemed pleased that his
last request was complied with.
Chaplain B. came and prayed with him, and
while he was praying, the happy spirit of Willie
returned to Him who gave it. Heaven gained in
this instance another soul, but there was mourn
ing in that widowed mother's heart. I thought,
oh, how appropriate were the words of the poet
to that lonely mother :
Not on the tented field,
0 terror-fronted War !
Not on the battle-field,
All thy bleeding victims are ;
48 MY RECONNOISSANCE.
But in the lowly homes
Where sorrow broods like death,
And fast the mother's sobs
Rise with each quick-drawn breath.
That dimmed eye, fainting close —
And she may not be nigh !
'Tis mothers die — 0 God!
'Tis but we mothers die.
Our hearts and hands being fully occupied with
such scenes as these, we thought of nothing else.
We knew nothing of the true state of affairs out
side, nor could we believe it possible when we
learned that the whole army had retreated toward
Washington, leaving the wounded in the hands of
the enemy, and us, too, in rather an unpleasant sit
uation. I could not believe the stern truth, and
was determined to find out for myself. Conse
quently I went back to the heights, where I had
seen the troops stack their guns and throw them
selves upon the ground at night-fall, but no troops
were there. I thought then that they had merely
changed their position, and that by going over
the field I should certainly find them. I had not
gone far before I saw a camp fire in the distance.
Supposing that I had found a clue to the secret, I
made all haste toward the fire ; but as I drew near
T saw but one solitary figure sitting by it, and that
was the form of a female.
Upon going up to her I recognised her as one
of the washerwomen of our army, I asked her
what she was doing there and where the army
AN INSANE WOMAN. 49
had gone. Said she: "I don't know anything
about the army ; I am cooking my husband's sup
per, and am expecting him home every minute ;
. see what a lot of things I have got for him,"
pointing to a huge pile of blankets, haversacks
and canteens which she had gathered up, and over
which she had constituted herself sentinel. I
soon found out that the poor creature had become
insane. The excitement of battle had proved too
much for her, and all my endeavors to persuade
her to come with me were unavailing. I had
no time to spare, for I was convinced that the
army had really decamped.
Once more I started in the direction of Center-
ville. I had not gone more than a few rods be
fore I heard the clatter of horses' hoofs. I stop
ped, and looking in the direction of the fire I had
just quitted, I saw a squad of cavalry ride up to
the woman who still sat there. Fortunately I had
no horse to make a noise or attract attention, hav
ing left mine at the hospital with the intention of
returning immediately. It was evident to my
mind that those were the enemy's cavalry, and
that it was necessary for me to keep out of sight
if possible until they were gone. Then the
thought came to me that the woman at the fire
knew no better than to tell them that I had been
there a few minutes before. Happily, however, I
was near a fence, against which there were great
jpiles of brush, and as the night was becoming very
50 HIDING FROM THE ENEMY.
dark and it was beginning to rain, I thought I
could remain undetected, at least until morning.
My suspicions proved to be correct. They were
coming toward me, and compelling the woman to
come and show them the direction I had taken ; I
decided to crawl under one of those brush heaps,
which I did, and had scarcely done so, when up
they came and stopped over against the identical
pile in which I was concealed.
One of the men said " See here old woman, are
you sure that she can tell us if we find her ?"
U0h, yes, she can tell you, I know she can," was
the woman's reply. They would go away a little
distance and then come back again ; by and by
they began to accuse the woman of playing a false
game ; then they swore, threatened to shoot her,
and she began to cry. All this was an interesting
performance I admit ; but I did not enjoy it quite
so much, in consequence of being rather uncom
fortably near the performers. At last they gave
it up as a hopeless case and rode away taking the
woman with them, and I was left in blissful igno
rance of the mystery which they wished me to
unravel, and for once in my life I rejoiced at not
having my " curiosity " gratified.
I remained there until the last echo of their re
treating footsteps had died away in the distance ;
then I came forth very cautiously and made my
way to Centerville, where the interesting intelli
gence awaited me that Mr. and Mrs. B. had gone,
E X P E 0 T A T ION O F C A P T U R E . 51
and had taken my horse, supposing that I had
been taken prisoner.
The village of Centerville was not yet occupied
by the rebels, so that I might have made my es
cape without any further trouble ; but how could
I go and leave those hospitals full of dying men,
without a soul to give them a drink of water ? I
must go into that Stone Church once more, even
at the risk of being taken prisoner. I did so — and
the cry of "Water," "water," was heard above
the groans of the dying. Chaplain B. had told
them before leaving that they would soon be in
the hands of the enemy — that the army had re
treated to Washington, and that there was no pos
sibility of removing the wounded. There they
lay, calmly awaiting the approach of their cruel
captors, and apparently prepared to accept with
resignation any fate which their cruelty might sug
gest. Oh, how brave those men were! What
moral courage they possessed ! Nothing but the
grace of God and a right appreciation of the great
cause in which they had nobly fought, and bled,
could reconcile them to such suffering and humilia
tion.
They all urged me to leave them, and not sub
ject myself to the barbarous treatment which I
would be likely to receive if I should be taken
prisoner, adding — " If you do stay the rebels will
not let you do anything for us." One of the men
said: "Dr. E. has only been gone a little while—-
52 ESCAPE FROM THE REBELS.
lie extracted three balls from my leg and arm, and
that, too, with his pen-knife. I saw twenty-one
balls which he had taken from the limbs of men in
this hospital. He was determined to remain with
us, but we would not consent, for we knew he
would not be allowed to do any more for us after
the rebels came; and you must go too, and go
very soon or they will be here."
After placing water within the reach of as many
as could use their arms, and giving some to those
who could not — I turned to leave them, with feel
ings that I cannot describe ; but ere I reached the
door a feeble voice called me back — it was that of
a young officer from Massachusetts ; he held in his
hand a gold locket, and as he handed it to me he
said — "Will you please to open it?" I did so,
and then held it for him to take a last look at the
picture which it contained. He grasped it eagerly
and pressed it to his lips again and again. The
picture was that of a lady of rare beauty, with an
infant in her arms. She seemed scarcely more
than a child herself; on the opposite side was
printed her name and address. While he still
gazed upon it with quivering lip, and I stood
there waiting for some tender message for the
loved ones, the unmistakable tramp of cavalry was
heard in the street — a moment more, and I had
snatched the locket from the hands of the dying
*nan and was gone.
The streets were full of cavalry, but not near
ARRIVAL IN WASHINGTON. 53
enough to discover me, as the night was exceed
ingly dark and the rain came down in torrents.
One glance was sufficient to convince me that I
could not escape by either street. The only way
was to climb a fence and go across lots, which I
immediately did, and came out on the Fairfax road
about a mile from the village, and then started for
Washington on the " double quick." I did not
reach Alexandria until noon the next day — almost
exhausted, and my shoes literally worn off my feet.
Having walked all the way from Cdnterville in the
rain, without food, together with want of sleep
and the fatigue of the past week, caused me to
present rather an interesting appearance. I re
mained there two days before I could persuade
my limbs to bear the weight of my body. I then
made my way to Washington, where I found my
friends quite anxious lest I had fallen into the
hands of the enemy. A number of men from
whom I had received packages, money, etc., before
going into battle, and who reached Washington
two days before I did, had come to the conclusion
that they had taken a pretty sure way of sending
those precious things to Richmond, and therefore
my arrival was rather an important event, and I
was greeted with a hearty welcome.
My first duty was to attend to those dying sol
diers' requests, which I did immediately by writing
to their friends and inclosing the articles which I
had received from the hands of those loved ones
54 GRATEFUL RETURNS.
who were now cold in death. The answers to
many of those letters lie before me while I write,
and are full of gratitude and kind wishes. One
in particular I cannot read without weeping. It is
from Willie's Mother. The following are a few
extracts: " Oh, can it be that my Willie will re
turn to me no more ? Shall I never see my dar
ling boy again, until I see him clothed in the
righteousness of Christ — thank God I shall see
him then — I shall see him then."
ISTow with all the mother's heart
Torn and quivering with the smart,
I yield him, 'neath the chastening rod,
To my country and my God.
" Oh, how I want to kiss those hands that closed
my darling's eyes, and those lips which spoke
Words of comfort to him in a dying hour. The
love and prayers of a bereaved mother will follow
you all through the journey of life." Yes, he is
gone to return to her no more on earth, but her
loss is his eternal gain.
Servant of God well done !
Rest from thy loved employ ;
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter thy Master's joy.
He at least had won a victory — notwithstanding
the defeat of the federal army. Yes, a glorious
Victory.
CHAPTER IV.
WASHINGTON AFTER BULL RUN- DEMORALIZATION OF THE ARM?
SICK SOLDIERS HOSPITAL SCENES EXTRACTS FROM MY
JOURNAL SYMPATHY OF SOLDIERS FISHING FOR THE SICK
A FISH-LOVING DUTCHMAN REORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY
A VISIT TO THE PICKETS PICKET DUTIES AND DANGERS
THE ARMY INACTIVE MC CLELLAN^S ADDRESS MARCHING OR
DERS AGAIN EMBARKATION OF THE ARMY FOR FORTRESS
MjONROE THE CROWDED TRANSPORTS DESCRIPTION OF THE
MONITOR HER BUILD AND ARMAMENT HER TURRET AND
ENGINES.
WASHINGTON at that time presented a pic
ture strikingly illustrative of military life in
its most depressing form. To use the words of
Captain Noyes — u There were stragglers sneaking
along through the mud inquiring for their regi
ments, wanderers driven in by the pickets, some
with guns and some without, while every one you
met had a sleepy, downcast appearance, and looked
as if he would like to hide his head from all the
world." Every bar-room and groggery seemed
filled to overflowing with officers and men, and
military discipline was nearly, or quite, forgotten
for a time in the army of the Potomac. While
Washington was in this chaotic condition, the rebel
flag was floating over Munson's Hill, in plain sight
of the Federal Capital.
56 SICK SOLDIERS.
When General McClellan took command of the
army of the Potomac, he found it in a most la
mentable condition, and the task of reorganizing
and disciplining such a mass of demoralized men
was a Herculean one. However, he proved him
self equal to the task, and I think, that even his
enemies are willing to admit, that theie is no
parallel case in history where there has been more
tact, energy and skill displayed in transforming a
disorganized mob into an efficient and effective
army ; in fact, of bringing order out of confusion.
The hospitals in Washington, Alexandria and
Georgetown were crowded with wounded, sick,
discouraged soldiers. That extraordinary march
from Bull Run, through rain, mud, and chagrin,
did more toward filling the hospitals than did the
battle itself. I found Mrs. B. in a hospital, suffer
ing from typhoid fever, while Chaplain B. was
looking after the temporal and spiritual wants of
the men with his usual energy and sympathy. He
had many apologies to offer ufor running away
with my horse," as he termed if. There were
many familiar faces missing, and it required con
siderable time to ascertain the fate of my friends.
Many a weary walk I had from one hospital to an
other to find some missing one who was reported
to have been sent to such and such a hospital ; but
after reading the register from top to bottom I
would find no such name there. Perhaps on my
way out, in passing the open door of one of the
EXTRACTS FROM MY JOURNAL. 57
wards, who should I see, laid upon a cot, but the
very object of my search, and upon returning to
the office to inform the steward of the fact, I would
find that "it was a slight mistake; in registering
the name ; instead of being Josiah Phelps, it was
Joseph Philips; only a slight mistake, but such
mistakes cause a great deal of trouble sometimes.
Measels, dysentery and typhoid fever were the
prevailing diseases after the retreat. After spend
ing several days in visiting the different hospitals,
looking after personal friends, and writing letters
for the soldiers who were not able to write for
themselves, I was regularly installed in one of the
general hospitals. I will here insert an extract
from my journal : "Aug. 3d, 1SG1. Georgetown,
D. C. Have been on duty all day. John C. is
perfectly wild with delirium, and keeps shouting
fct the top of his voice some military command, or,
tvhen vivid recollections of the battle field come to
his mind, he enacts a pantomime of the terrible
strife — he goes through the whole manual of ari^is
as correctly as if he were in the ranks ; and as he,
hi imagination, loads and fires in quick succession,
the flashing of his dying eye and the nervous vigor
of his trembling hands give fearful interest to the
supposed encounter with the enemy. When we
tell him the enemy has retreated, he persists in
pursuing ; and throwing his arms wildly around
him he shouts to his men — ' Come on and fight
while there is a rebel left in Virginia !' My friend
58 HOSPITAL SCENES.
Lieut. M. is extremely weak and nervous, and the
wild ravings of J. C. disturb him exceedingly. 1
requested Surgeon P. to have him removed to a
more quiet ward, and received in reply — .' This is
the most quiet ward in the whole building.' There
are five hundred patients here who require con
stant attention, and not half enough nurses to take
care of them.
" Oh, what an amount of suffering I am called
to witness every hour and every moment. There
is no cessation, and yet it is strange that the sight
of all this suffering and death does not affect me
more. I am simply eyes, ears, hands and feet. It
does seem as if there is a sort of stoicism granted
for such occasions. There are great, strong men
dying all around me, and while I write there are
three being carried past the window to the dead
room. This is an excellent hospital — everything
is kept in good order, and the medical officers are
skillful, kind and attentive."
rThe weary weeks went slowly by, while disease
and death preyed upon the men, and the " Sol
diers' Cemetery" was being quickly filled with new
made graves. The kindness of the soldiers toward
each other is proverbial, and is manifested in vari
ous ways. It is a common thing to see soldiers
stand guard night after night for sick comrades — >
and when off duty try, to the utmost of their skill,
to prepare their food in such a way as to tempt
the appetite of those poor fellows whom the sur-
SYMPATHY OF SOLDIERS. 59
geons u do not consider sufficiently ill to excuse
from duty ;" but their comrades do, and do not
hesitate to perform their duty and their own also.
And when brought to camp hospital, helpless,
worn down by disease, and fever preying upon
their vitals — those brave and faithful comrades do
not forsake them, but come several times every
day to inquire how they are, and if there is any
thing they can do for them. And it is touching
to see those men, with faces bronzed and stern,
tenderly bending over the dying, while the tears
course down their sunburnt cheeks.
There is scarcely a soldier's grave where there
is not to be seen some marks of this noble charac
teristic of the soldier — the tastefully cut sod, the
planted evergreen, the carefully carved head
board, all tell of the affectionate remembrance of
the loved comrade. You will scarcely find such
strong and enduring friendship — such a spirit of
self-sacrifice, and such noble and grateful hearts,
as among the soldiers. I think this is one reason
why the nurses do not feel the fatigue of hospital
duty more than they do ; the gratitude of the men
seems to act as a stimulant, and the patient, un
complaining faces of those suffering men almost
invariably greet you with a smile. I used to think
that it was a disgrace for any one, under ordinary
circumstances, to be heard complaining, when
those mutilated, pain-racked ones bore everything
with such heroic fortitude.
60 FISHING FOR THE SICK.
I was not in the habit of going among the pa
tients with a long, doleful face, nor intimating by
word or look that their case was a hopeless one,
unless a man was actually dying, and I felt it to be
my duty to tell him so. Cheerfulness was my
motto, and a wonderful effect it had sometimes on
the despondent, gloomy feelings of discouraged
and homesick sufferers. I noticed that whenever
I failed to arouse a man from such a state of feel
ing, it generally proved a hopeless case. They
were very likely not to recover if they made up
their minds that they must die, and persisted in
believing that there was no alternative.
There were a great many pleasant things in
connection with our camp hospital duties. I really
enjoyed gratifying some of the whims and strange
fancies of our poor convalescent boys, with whom
I had become quite a favorite. As I would pass
along through the hospital in the morning, I would
generally have plenty of assistants in helping to
make out my programme for the day. For one I
had to write letters, read some particular book to
another, and for a third I must catch some fish. I
remember on one occasion of an old Dutchman, a
typhoid convalescent, declaring that he could eat
nothing until he could get some fresh fish, and of
course I must procure them for him. " But," said
I, "the doctor must be consulted; perhaps he will
not think it best for you to have any fish yet, until
you are stronger." "Yell, I dusn't care for te toctor
REORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY. Gl
• — he dusn't know vat mine appetite ish — te feesli
I must have. Oh, mine Cot ! I must have some
feesh." And the old man wept like a child at the
thought of being disappointed. u Hunter's Creek "
was about a mile and a half from camp, where Mr.
and Mrs. B. and I had spent many an hour fishing
and shooting at the flocks of wild ducks which
frequented it ; so, after providing myself with
hook, line and bait, I made my way to the creek.
Soon after I commenced operations I drew up a
monstrous eel, which defied all my efforts to re
lease the hook from its jaws. At last I was obliged
to draw it into camp by means of the line — and I
was amply repaid for my trouble on seeing the
delight of the convalescents, and especially of my
old Dutchman, who continued to slap his hands
together and say — u Dhat ish coot— dhat ish coot."
The eel was handed over to the cook to be pre
pared for dinner, and to the great satisfaction of the
Dutchman he was permitted to enjoy a portion of it.
The army under McClellan began to assume a
warlike aspect — perfect order and military disci
pline were observed everywhere among the sol
diers. It was a splendid sight to see those well
drilled troops on dress-parade — or being reviewed
by their gallant young commander, upon whose
shoulders the "stars" sat with so much grace and
dignity.
The monotony of camp life began to be broken
up by armed reconnoissances and skirmishing be-
62 A VISIT TO THE PICKETS.
tween the pickets. Our lines were pushed for*
ward to Lewinsville on the right, and to Munson's
Hill in front. The pickets of both armies were
posted in plain sight of each other, only separated
by the beautiful corn-fields and peach-orchards.
Picket firing was kept up all along the lines on
both sides, notwithstanding that flags of truce had
been sent in by both parties, several times, re
questing that this barbarous practice might cease.
As soon as Mrs. B. was so far recovered as to
be able to ride, we started one day, accompanied
by Mr. B. and Dr. E., for Munson's Hill, to see the
pickets on duty. We rode along until we came
within a short distance of the rifle pits where our
men were, when the rebels fired upon us. We
turned and rode back until we came to a clump of
trees, where we dismounted, hitched our horses,
and proceeded the rest of the way on foot — part
of the way having to crouch along on our hands
and knees, in order to escape the bullets which were
whistling above us. We reached the rifle pits in
safety, which were close to a rail fence, the rails of
which were perfectly riddled with Minnie balls.
While we sat there looking through an opera-
glass, whiz ! came a ball and struck the rail against
which my head rested ; glancing, it passed through
Dr. E.'s cap and lodged in the shoulder of one of
the men. We remained there until the firing
ceased, then returned to camp, carrying with us
the wounded man.
PICKET DUTIES AND DANGERS. 63
Picket duty is one of the most perilous and try
ing duties connected with the service. A clergy^
man-soldier writing upon this subject, briefly
describes it : u Picket duty at all times is arbitrary,
but at night it is trebly so. No monarch on a
throne, with absolute power, is more independent,
or exercises greater sway for the time being, than
a private soldier stationed on his beat with an
enemy in front. Darkness veils all distinctions.
He is not obliged to know his own officers or com
rades, or the commanding general, only through
the means of the countersign. With musket loaded
and capped he walks his rounds, having to do
with matters only of life and death, and at the
same time clothed with absolute power. It is a
position of fearful importance and responsibility,
one that makes a man feel solemn and terribly in
earnest. Often, too, these posts are in thick
woods, where the soldier stands alone, cut off from
camp, cut off from his fellows, subject only to the
harrassings of his own imagination and sense of
danger. The shadows deepen into inky night ;
all objects around him, even the little birds that
were his companions during the day, are gathered
within the curtains of a hushed repose ; but the
soldier, with every nerve and faculty of his mind
strained to the utmost tension of keenness and
sensibility, speaks only in whispers; his fingers
tighten round the stock of his musket as he leans
forward to catch the sound of approaching foot-
64 MCCLELLAN'S ADDRESS.
steps, or, in absence of danger, looks longingly up to
the cold, grey sky, with its wealth of shining stars."
Yes, the picket is exposed to danger constantly,
and to various kinds of danger. He knows not
what moment a lurking foe may spring upon him
from the darkness, or a bullet from a scout or
sharpshooter may reach him at any time. Then,
too, he is exposed to the raging elements — heat
and cold, rain and snow ; no matter whether in
the depths of the forest, or in the open plain, or
in the rifle-pit standing in water knee deep, the
poor picket must not heed the storm, but keep
both eyes and ears open to catch the slightest
sound. After severe marches, when the men are
greatly fatigued, and it seems almost impossible to
perform any more duty without rest and sleep,
some, of course, are sent on picket duty, while the
rest are permitted to sleep. Oh, how my heart
has ached for those men ; and it seemed to me
that the persons and regiments in which I was
most interested always had the most picket duty
to perform.
On the 14th of March General McClellan issued
an address to the army of the Potomac, announcing
the reasons why they had been so long unem
ployed. The battle of Bull Run was fought in
July, 1861. It was now March, 1862, and during
this interval the army of the Potomac, numbering
some two hundred and fifty thousand men, had
been inactive, excepting their daily drills behind
MARCHING ORDERS AGAIN. 65
their entrenchments. The flags of the enemy
were in sight. Washington was in a state of siege,
and not a transport could ascend the river without
running the* gauntlet of the rebel batteries. In
his address General McClellan announced the rea
sons for their inactivity as follows:
" Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac : For a
long time I have kept you inactive, but not with
out a purpose. You were to be disciplined, armed
and instructed. The formidable artillery you now
have had to be created. Other armies were to
move and accomplish certain results. I have held
you back that you might give the death-blow to
the rebellion that has distracted our once happy
country. The patience you have shown, and your
confidence in your General, are worth a dozen
victories. These preliminary results are now ac
complished. I feel that the patient labors of many
months have produced their fruit. The army of
the Potomac is now a real army, magnificent in
material, admirable in discipline and instruction,
excellently equipped and armed. Your command
ers are all that I could wish. The moment for
action has arrived, and I know that I can trust in
you to save our country. The period of inaction
has passed. I will bring you now face to face
with the rebels, and only pray that God may de
fend the right."
Marching orders were issued once more to the
army of the Potomac. The sick were sent off,
66 EMBARKATION OF THE ARMY.
camps broken up, and all stood prepared for an
other encounter with the enemy. The bitter re
membrance of the defeat at Bull Run still rankled
in the minds of the men, and now they were
anxious for an opportunity to retaliate upon the
foe, and win back the laurels they had so inglo-
riously lost upon that disastrous field. Various
speculations were indulged in with regard to their
destination. One prophesied that they were going
to Richmond by way of Fredericksburg, another
was positive that they were to go by the way of
Manassas, and a third declared that it was down
the Shenandoah valley to take Richmond on the
flank and rear ; but, to the utter astonishment of
all, they were ordered to Alexandria to embark
for Fortress Monroe. Regiment after regiment
was huddled together on board until every foot of
room was occupied, and there remained but little
prospect of comfort for either officers or men.
As soon, as each transport received its cargo of
men, horses and provisions, it floated out into the
stream, while another steamed up to the wharf in
its place, until the whole fleet lay side by side,
freighted with over a hundred thousand human
lives, and awaiting the signal to weigh anchor.
The troops were eager for a campaign ; they had
lain inactive so long, while "victory" thundered
all around them, that they were becoming impa
tient to strike another blow at rebellion, and blot
out the remembrance of the past. Roanoke, Pea
THE MONITOR. 67
Ridge, Newbern, Winchester and Donelson — were
a succession of victories which had been achieved,
and the army of the Potomac had not participated
in them. The men felt this, and were prepared
for anything but inactivity. Everything being in
readiness, the signal was given, and the whole fleet
was soon moving in the direction of Fortress Mon
roe, with the stars and stripes floating from every
mast-head, and the music of national airs awaken
ing the slumbering echoes as we swiftly glided
over the quiet waters of the Potomac.
The first real object of interest which presented
itself was the " Monitor" lying off Fortress Mon
roe. It reminded me of what I once heard & man
say to his neighbor about his wife; said he,
" Neighbor, you might worship your wife without
breaking either of the ten commandments. " " How
is that?" asked the man ; "Because she is not the
likeness of anything in heaven above, or in the
earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth."
So thought I of the Monitor.
There she sat upon the water a glorious impreg
nable battery, the wonder of the age, the terror
of rebels, and the pride of the North. The Moni
tor is so novel in structure that a minute descrip
tion will be necessary to convey an accurate idea
of her character. "She has two hulls. The lower
one is of iron, five-eighths of an inch thick. The
bottom is flat, and six feet six inches in depth —
sharp at both ends, the cut- water retreating at an
68 HER CONSTRUCTION.
angle of about thirty degrees. The sides, instead
of having the ordinary bulge, incline at an angle
of about fifty-one degrees. This hull is one hun
dred and twenty-four feet long, and thirty-four feet
broad at the top. Resting on this is the upper
hull, flat-bottomed, and both longer and wider
than the lower hull, so that it projects over in
every direction, like the guards of a steamboat. It
is one hundred and seventy-four feet long, forty-
one feet four inches wide, and five feet deep.
These sides constitute the armor of the vessel. In
the first place is an inner guard of iron, half an inch
thick. To this is fastened a wall of white oak,
placed endways, and thirty inches thick, to which
are bolted six plates of iron, each an inch thick,
thus making a solid wall of thirty-six and a half
inches of wood and iron. This hull is fastened
upon the lower hull, so that the latter is entirely
submerged, and the upper one sinks down three
feet into the water. Thus but two feet of hull are
exposed to a shot. The under hull is so guarded
by the projecting upper hull, that a ball, to strike
it, would have to pass through twenty-five feet of
water. The upper hull is also pointed at both
ends. The deck comes flush with the top of the
hull, and is made bomb-proof. No railing or bul
wark rises above the deck. The projecting ends
serve as a protection to the propeller, rudder and
anchor, which cannot be struck. Neither the an
chor or chain is ever exposed. The anchor is
HE E ARMAMENT. 69
peculiar, being very short, but heavy. It is hoisted
into a place fitted for it, outside of the lower hull,
but within the impenetrable shield of the upper
one. On the deck are but two structures rising
above the surface, the pilot-house and turret. The
pilot-house is forward, made of plates of iron, the
whole about ten inches in thickness, and shot-
proof. Small slits and holes are cut through, to
enable the pilot to see his course. The turret,
which is apparently the main feature of the bat
tery, is a round cylinder, twenty feet in interior
diameter, and nine feet high. It is built entirely
of iron plates, one inch in thickness, eight of them
securely bolted together, one over another. Within
this is a lining of one-inch iron, acting as a damper
to deaden the effects of a concussion when struck
by a ball — thus there is a shield of nine inches of
iron. The turret rests on a bed-plate, or ring, of
composition, which is fastened to the deck. To
help support the weight, which is about a hundred
tons, a vertical shaft, ten inches in diameter, is at
tached and fastened to the bulk-head. The top is
made shot-proof by huge iron beams, and perfo
rated to allow of ventilation. It has two circular
port-holes, both on one side of the turret, three
feet above the deck, and just large enough for the
muzzle of the gun to be run out. The turret is
made to revolve, being turned by a special engine.
The operator within, by a rod connected with the
engine, is enabled to turn it at pleasure. It can
70 THE TURRET AND ENGINES.
be made to revolve at the rate of sixty revolutions
a minute, and can be regulated to stop within half
a degree of a given point. When the guns are
drawn in to load, the port-hole is stopped by a
huge iron pendulum, which falls to its place, and
makes that part as secure as any, and can be
quickly hoisted to one side. The armanent con
sists of two eleven-inch Dahlgren guns. Various
improvements in the gun-carriage enable the gun
ner to secure almost perfect aim.
u The engine is not of great power, as the vessel
was designed as a battery, and not for swift sail
ing. It being almost entirely under water, the
ventilation is secured by blowers, drawing the air
in forward, and discharging it aft. * A separate
engine moves the blowers and fans the fires. There
is no chimney, so the draft must be entirely artifi
cial. The smoke passes out of gratings in the
deck. Many suppose the Monitor to be merely an
iron-clad vessel, with a turret; but there are, in
fact, between thirty and forty patentable inven
tions upon her, and the turret is by no means the
most important one. Yery properly, what these
inventions are is not proclaimed to the public."
CHAPTER Y.
ARRIVAL AT FORTRESS MONROE THE VILLAGE OF HAMPTON
VISITING THE CONTRABANDS ARRIVAL OF FUGITIVES A
REAL "CAMP MEETING" — FEEDING THE NEGROES — CAMP
MISERIES MULES MISS PERIWINKLE'S MULES THE COQUET
TISH, THE MORAL, THE HISTRIONIC, AND THE PATHETIC MULE
OUR JACK LINES OF LOVE MY BOX AND PRESENTS A
THREE-STORY CAKE A SERENADE AND SURPRISE PARTY
. GOOD AND BAD CHAPLAINS THE MORALS OF THE ARMY
SLANDERS ABOUT SOLDIERS.
WE arrived at Fortress Monroe in a drenching
rain, immediately disembarked, and pro
ceeded at once to Hampton — formerly a beautiful
little village containing about five hundred houses,
many of them elegant brick buildings, but which
now lay a blackened mass of ruins, having been
burned a few months previous by order of rebel
General Magruder. The village was about three
miles from Fortress Monroe, and situated on the
west side of a creek, or arm of the sea, called
Hampton river, the Yorktown road passing di
rectly through its center. It was a great relief to
the troops to disembark from the filthy, crowded
transports, notwithstanding they had to march
through the mud and rain, and then pitch their
tents on the wet ground. Fires were soon built,
coffee made, and nice fresh bread served out,
72 VISIT TO CONTRABANDS.
which was brought to us by the commissary de
partment at the fort.
As Mrs. B. and I had a little respite at this
particular juncture, we set about visiting the con
trabands. They occupied a long row of board
buildings near the fort. The men were employed
in loading and unloading Government vessels, and
the women were busily engaged in cooking and
washing. No language can describe the joy of
these men and women at being liberated from
bondage. As the Jews of old were looking for
the promised Messiah, so the slaves universally re
garded the advent of the northern army as the
harbinger of their deliverance.
Mr. A. relates the following anecdote, illustra
tive of this fact, which took place at the battle of
Newbern : "A slaveholder, breathless with terror,
spurred his horse to his utmost speed past his own
house, not venturing to stop. Just then a shell,
with its terrific, unearthly shriek, rushed through
the air over his head. A poor slave, a man of un
feigned piety and fervent prayer, in uncontrollable
emotions of joy, ran into his humble cabin, shout
ing : ' Wife, he is running, he is running, and the
wrath of God is after him. Glory hallelujah ! the
appointed time has come; we are free, we are
free!'"
With regard to my own visit to the contraband
quarters, I give the following extract from my
journal : u Visited the contrabands to-day, and was
ARRIVAL OF FUGITIVES. 73
much pleased with their cheerful, happy appear
ance. They are exceedingly ignorant, yet there
is one subject upon which they can converse free
ly and intelligibly, and that is — Christ — the way
of salvation. Almost all with whom I conversed
to-day were praying men and women. Oh, how
I should like to teach these people ! They seem
so anxious for instruction, I know they would
learn quickly. Some of them are whiter and
prettier than most of our northern ladies. There
is a family here, all of whom have blue eyes, light
hair, fair skin and rosy cheeks ; yet they are con
trabands, and have been slaves. But why should
blue eyes and golden hair be the distinction be
tween bond and free ? "
One bitter, stormy night, about eleven o'clock,
a band of these poor fugitives, numbering over
forty, presented themselves at the picket line, for
admittance to the federal camp, imploring protec
tion. The officer of the picket guard being called,
and the case presented, the contrabands were per
mitted to pass through. But no sooner had their
poor torn and bleeding feet touched the federal
soil, than they fell upon their knees, and returned
thanks to God and to the soldiers for their deliver
ance. They came into camp about one o'clock in
the morning, shouting "Glory! Glory to God!"
Notwithstanding the early hour, and the stormy
night, the whole camp was aroused; every one
rushed out to find out the cause of the excite-
V4 A EEAL "CAMP MEETING."
ment. There they were, black as midnight, all
huddled together in a little group — some praying,
some singing, and others shouting. We had a
real u camp meeting" time for a while. Soon the
exercises changed, and they began to relate their
experiences, not only religious experiences, but a
brief history of their lives. Some were husbands
and fathers. Their masters had sold them down
south, lest they should escape. In their terror
they had escaped by night, and fled to the National
banner for refuge, leaving all behind that was dear
to them.
In conclusion, one old man, evidently their
leader, stood up and said: UI tell you, my bred-
dern, dat de good Lord has borne wid dis yere
slav'ry long time wid great patience. But now he
can't bore it no longer, no how ; and he has said
to de people ob de North — go and tell de slave
holders to let de people go, dat dey may sarve me."
There were many there who had listened to the
old colored man's speech and believed, as I did,
that there was more truth than poetry in it. Many
hearts were moved with sympathy towards them,
as was soon proved by the actions of the soldiers.
An immense fire was built, around which these
poor darkies eagerly gathered, as they were both
wet, cold and hungry ; then a large camp kettle
of coffee was made and set before them, with
plenty of bread and meat to satisfy their ravenous
appetites — for ravenous they were, not having
CAMP MISERIES, 'AND MULES. 75
tasted food for more than two days. Then blan
kets were . provided, and they soon became com
fortable, and as happy as human beings could be
under such circumstances. Mrs. B. and I re
turned to our tents feeling very much like in
dorsing the sentiment of "Will Jones' resolve:'7
Resolved, although my brother be a slave,
And poor and black, he is my brother still;
Can I, o'er trampled "institutions," save
That brother from the chain and lash, I will.
A cold, drizzling rain continued to descend for
several days, and our camp became a fair specimen
of "Virginia mud." I began to feel the effects of
the miasma which came floating on every breeze
from the adjacent swamps and marshes, and fever
and ague became my daily companions for a time.
As I sat in my tent, roasting or shivering as the
case might be, I took a strange pleasure in watch
ing the long trains of six mule teams which were
constantly passing and repassing within a few rods
of my tent. As "Miss Periwinkle" remarks, there
are several classes of mules. " The coquettish
mule has small feet, a nicely trimmed tail, perked
up ears, and seems much given to little tosses of
the head, affected skips and prances, and, if he
wears bells or streamers, puts on as many airs as
any belle. The moral mule is a stout, hardwork
ing creature, always tugging with all his might,
often pulling away after the rest have stopped,
laboring under the conscientious delusion that food
76 MISS PERIWINKLE'S MULES.
for the entire army depends upon his individual
exertions. The histrionic mule is a melo-dramatic
sort of quadruped, prone to startle humanity by
erratic leaps and wild plunges, much shaking of
the stubborn head and lashing of his vicious heels ;
now and then falling flat, and apparently dying a
la Forrest, a gasp, a groan, a shudder, etc., till the
street is blocked up, the drivers all swearing like
so many demons, and the chief actor's circulation
becomes decidedly quickened by every variety of
kick, cuff and jerk imaginable. When the last
breath seems to have gone with the last kick, and
the harness has been taken off, then a sudden res.
urrection takes place. He springs to his feet, and
proceeds to give himself two or three comfortable
shakes, and if ever mule laughed in scornful tri
umph it is he, and as he calmly surveys the ex
cited crowd, seems to say: 'A hit! a decided
hit ! ' For once the most stupid of all animals has
outwitted more than a dozen of the lords of crea
tion. The pathetic mule is, perhaps, the most in
teresting of all ; for although he always seems to
be the smallest, thinnest, and weakest of the six,
yet, in addition to his equal portion of the heavy
load, he carries on his back a great postillion, with
tremendous boots, long tailed coat, and heavy
whip. This poor creature struggles feebly along,
head down, coat muddy and rough, eye spiritless
and sad, and his whole appearance a perfect pic
ture of meek misery, fit to touch a heart of stone.
LINES OP LOVE.
Then there is another class of mules which always
have a jolly, cheer-up sort of look about them — -
they take everything good naturedly, from cudgel
ing to carressing, and march along with a roguish
twinkle in their eye which is very interesting."
One morning, as I was just recovering from fe
ver and ague, Jack, our faithful colored boy, made
his appearance at the door of my tent, touching
his hat in the most approved military style, and
handed me a letter bearing my address, saying, as
he did so, "Bar's a box at de 'spress office for
you. May I run and fotch it?'7 I said, U0h, yes,
Jack, you may bring it, but be careful and keep
the cover on, there may be chickens in it." Jack
knew the meaning of that allusion to chickens, and
so ran off singing :
Massa run, ha, ha !
Darkies stay, ho, ho I
It must be now dat de kingdom 's cumin
In de year ob jubilo.
In the meantime I opened my letter, from
which I make the following extract: "Having
learned your address through Mrs. L , whose
son was killed at the battle of Bull Run, we send
you a donation in token of our respect and es
teem, and of our gratitude for your faithfulness on
the field and in the hospital." The following lines
were also inclosed:
In the ranks of the sick and dying, in the chamber where death-dews fall,
Where the sleeper wakes from his trances to leap to the bugle-call,
78 MY BOX AND PRESENTS.
Is there hope for the wounded soldier ? Ah, no ! for his heart-blood Row*
And the flickering flames of life must wane, to fail at the evening's close.
Oh, thou who goest, like a sunbeam, to lighten the darkness and gloom,
Make way for the path of glory through the dim and shadowy room ;
Go speak to him words of comfort, and teach him the way to die,
With his eyes upraised from the starry flag to the blessed cross on high.
And tell him brave hearts are beating with pulses as noble as thine ;
That we count them at home by the thousands — thou sweetest sister of
mine ;
That they fail not and flinch not from duty while the vials of wrath are
outpoured,
And tell him to call it not grievous, but joyous to fall by the sword.
When the hosts of the foe are outnumbered, and the day of the Lord is at
hand,
Shall we halt in the heat of the battle, and fail at the word of command?
Oh, no 1 through the trouble and anguish, by the terrible pathway of
blood,
We must bear up the flag of our freedom, on — on through the perilous
flood.
And if one should be brought faint and bleeding, though wounded, yet not
unto death,
Oh plead with the soft airs of heaven to favor his languishing breath ;
Be faithful to heal and to save him, assuaging the fever and pains,
Till the pulse in his strong arm be strengthened and the blood courses free
in his veins.
While Mrs. B. and I were speculating with re
gard to the contents of the box, Jack's woolly
head reappeared in the doorway, and the subject
of our curiosity was before us. uDar it be, and
mity heavy, too ; guess it mus' be from ." So
saying, young hopeful disappeared. The box was
soon opened, its contents examined and comment
ed upon. First came a beautiful silk and rubber
reversible cloak, which could be folded into such
A THREE-STORY CAKE. 79
a small compass that it could be put into an ordi
nary sized pocket, and a pair of rubber boots.
Then came a splendid silver-mounted revolver,
belt and miniature cartridge-box. But the great
est piece of perfection I ever saw came in the
shape of a u housewife ;" it was lined and covered
with oil silk, and my name printed on it in gilt
letters, above which was an eagle, and below was
the following inscription : "A thousand shall fall
at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand ;
but it shall not come nigh thee." Then came
pocket-handkerchiefs, gloves, and other articles
too numerous to mention. But last, not least, was
found in the bottom, stowed away in one corner,
two bottles of the best currant wine, a nice jar of
jelly, and a large loaf of cake, frosted and mot-
toed in fine style. This cake was certainly a great
curiosity. It was a three-story cake, with three
doors made to slide back by gently pulling a
bell-handle which was made of rosettes of red,
White and blue ribbon. To the first bell-cord was
attached a splendid gold ring, to the second a ten
dollar gold piece, and to the third and last a small
sized hunting cased gold watch and chain. At such
revelations I began to feel as if my humble tent
had become an enchanted palace, and that all I
should have to do in future would be to rub that
mysterious ring, and the genii would appear, ready
to supply all my wants. We then commenced to
divide the spoil, Mrs. B. positively asserting that
80 GOOD AND BAD CHAPLAINS.
she had no right to any part of the donation, and
I telling her that in all probability it was all in
tended for her, and through one of those "slight
mistakes" it was directed to me.
The news of this wonderful box soon spread
through camp, and the result was that we had a
surprise party as soon as evening came, Chaplain
B. taking the opportunity of making some very
appropriate remarks on the occasion. Then came
the band to serenade us, and the consequence was
that our cake and wine disappeared with our nu
merous friends, for we found that all were willing
to obey the scriptural injunction, "Take a little
wine," etc. Chaplain B. is a very worthy, zealous,
faithful minister, and I have spoken very highly
of him, but perhaps in doing so I have given the
impression that all chaplains are good and faithful.
I am very sorry to state that it is not so. There
are some who have no fitness for their work, and
some a disgrace to their profession. I think I am
safe in saying that one bad chaplain will do more
harm in a regiment than a hundred good men can
counteract. If there is any place on earth where
faithful ministers are needed more than another, it
is in the army— it is in the hospital. But may
God have mercy upon those who go there, whose
object is dollars and cents — who neglect their
duty, and fill the places which should be occupied
by Christ-like heralds of the cross who love the
souls of their fellow men. I think the words of
THE MORALS OF THE ARMY. 81
the Saviour are particularly applicable to some of
the chaplains of the army when He says: uWoe
unto you hypocrites ! for ye shut up the kingdom
of heaven against men," etc. I have conversed
with many in the army upon the subject of reli
gion, who told me that the conduct of certain
chaplains had more influence in keeping them away
from the Saviour than all the combined forces of
the evil one. Such chaplains are there through
political influence, regardless of qualifications.
Some persons have tried very hard to get up
the general belief that the army is terribly demor
alized in its best estate, and all who go there
must inevitably plunge into vice ; but a greater
slander was never propagated. There is, undoubt
edly, vicejn the army; but where is there a city
or community throughout the North where vice is
not to be found ? notwithstanding the tide of mo
ral and religious influence which is daily brought
to bear against it. Although the outer man ap
pears rough, and much drunkenness and other
evils exist in the army, yet there is much that is
pure, lovely, and of good report in the character
of both officers and men. "I can speak of that I
do know, and testify of that which I have seen,"
and I am free to say that I think the morals of
the majority of the men are quite as good, if not
better than you will find among the same number
at home, made up of all classes as we find them in
the army.
82 MARCH TO YORKTOWN.
It is true many have backslidden since they left
home ; but is equally true that very many have
been reformed, and are now better men than when
they enlisted. Every day's history proves that
there are thousands of noble hearted, pure minded
Christians in our army, and none but traitors and
infidels, the enemies of God and man, will deny
this fact.
CHAPTER VI.
THE MARCH TO YORKTOWN SCARCITY OF SUPPLIES CAMP
COOKERY DIFFERENT CHARACTERS IN THE ARMY ARRIVAL
OF TRAINS CHANGE OF CAMP TRYING TO SHELL US OUT
THE OLD SAW-MILL A CONSTANT TARGET ASSAULTS ON OUR
OUTPOSTS A REBEL APPEAL YORKTOWN AND VICINITY
THE SITUATION BALLOON RECONNOISSANCES PROF. LOWE ON
HIGII REBEL VIXENS A CURIOUS VISIT A STRANGE HOST
ESS SHE TRIES TO KILL ME 1 WOUND HER AND CAPTURE
A PRISONER A CONVERSION THE SECESII WOMAN BECOMES
A FEDERAL NURSE.
ON TO RICHMOND once more resounded
through the camp, and the army was again in
motion. The Yorktown road is one long to be
remembered, especially by those who that clay
had to toil through its mud and mire, or, by
making a mis-step, fall into one of the yawning
chasms from which some unfortunate mule had
been drawn. The rain had continued almost all
the time we were encamped at Hampton, usatu-
SCARCITY OF SUPPLIES.
rating the clayey soil, which soon became a vast
bed of mortar under the artillery trains." The
distance from Hampton to Yorktown is about
twenty-three miles, and it required all the deter
mination and energy of veterans to march half
that distance in a day. With two clays' rations in
their haversacks, the men marched until they ar
rived in front of Yorktown, where they bivouacked
on the ground, over which the water was running
like a flood. We remained three days in that con
dition, and it was the first time I ever saw any
thing like scarcity of food in the army.
It was scarce indeed, for we were only supplied
with two days1 rations on starting from Hampton.
The fifth day had arrived, but no provisions had
yet appeared, and it seemed morally impossible to
get a supply train over the road. Mile after mile
of corduroy bridge had to be made before a team
dare venture to approach. Our horses, too, were
as badly off for forage as the men were for provis-^
ions. On the fifth day, with several others, I re
ceived permission to go out and buy what we
could at the houses anywhere within three miles
of our encampment.
After procuring a quantity of biscuit, pies, and
corn bread, we returned to camp, and were quite
surprised to find the boys engaged in cutting up
and cooking fresh steak. We thought, of course,
our provisions had arrived, but found that it was
only a little dash they had just made upon the
84 CAMP COOKERY.
u chivalry's " cattle, appropriating them to their
own use with a sort of earnestness which seemed
to say, I firmly believe in the old proverb, Aide
toi, et le del £ aider a.
Oh, what a place the army is for the study of
human nature! As I looked around upon that
mass of busy men, I thought I could discover al
most every trait in the human character depicted
upon their countenances. There was the selfish
man, only intent upon serving himself, and fearing
there would not enough come to his share to
satisfy his wants; then there was old churlish
Nabal away by himself building a fire for his own
especial benefit, and which uno man dare ap
proach unto," no, not within baking, broiling, or
roasting distance, not even to get a coal to kindle
one for himself. But that class of character, thank
heaven, was a very small minority. There, too,
was the cheerful, happy man, who had been seve
ral hours engaged in cutting up and serving out
to others, and had no lot or part in the broiled
steaks which were smoking around him ; yet he
looked as good natured as if he had dined on
roast beef and plum pudding. Then there was
another phase of character — one who always made
it the first duty, under all circumstances, to look
after those who were not able to look after them
selves.
While the little trials of camp life have a ten
dency to harden and sour the dispositions of some,
CHANGE OF CAMP. 85
they seem to bring to light and develop the cheer
ful, happy, unselfish spirit of others. One has
truthfully said that "there is no other quality so
diffusive of joy, both to him who possesses it and
to those with whom he has friendly intercourse, as
cheerfulness. It is the phase of a soul sitting in
its own sunshine. There are luminous planets
which are viewed by the aid of their own light,
others there are which are seen through bor
rowed light. So it is with individuals. There
seem to be some who have scarcely any light of
their own, and who shine by the reflection of the
light of others ; while others there are who pos
sess an intrinsic and inexhaustible source of sun
shine, which renders them not only self-illumina
ting, but capable of irradiating those around them.
Many are cheerful when a sparkling rill of plea
sure is. gurgling in their hearts, or when prosperity
encircles them, or looms up gorgeously in their
prospective vision. But few are cheerful when
adversity casts its gloomy shadows around them;
when sorrow and disappointment dry up their
fountains of pleasure and wither their hopes. In
such crises cheerfulness is an independent virtue,
and in others an accidental mood."
The despondency of the few was soon removed,
and the patience and cheerfulness of the many re
warded by the arrival of the provision and bag
gage trains. We then exchanged our camp for
one in a more pleasant locality, where there was
86 THE OLD SAW-MILL.
more wood and not quite so much water, which
added much to the comfort of the troops. The
enemy soon found out our position, and did not
fail to inform us of the fact by frequently saluting
us with an immense shell, or thirty-two pound
cannon ball, which would burst over our heads or
fall within a few rods — often within a few feet — of
our tents. We remained in that camp just one
month, and, notwithstanding the enemy shelled us
night and day, I never saw a man or beast injured
by shot or shell in camp while we remained there.
I presume many of my readers will remember
seeing or hearing of the old saw-mill which stood
near a peach orchard, and which the soldiers per
sisted in running, to the great annoyance of the
rebels. That old saw-mill deserves to be immor
talized in song as well as in history ; and if it
stood in any other than a Christian land, it would
undoubtedly become an object of idolatry. There
it stood, in perfect range of the enemy's batteries,
a target at which they never seemed tired of firing,
while our brave soldiers risked their lives in saw
ing lumber for the purpose of laying board floors
in the hospital tents, to secure some degree of
comfort, for their poor sick comrades.
Time after time the mill was set on fire by the
explosion of shells as they passed through it, but
up would go some brave young hero, and stand in
the very jaws of death while his companions would
hand him bucket after bucket of water to quench
A CONSTANT TARGET. 87
the flames. As soon as the fire was extinguished
the men resumed their labor, and the old mill
steamed away with all its might, as if proud of the
"stars and stripes" which waved from its summit,
and of being .permitted to show its patriotism and
zeal for the glorious cause of freedom by working
for good old "Uncle Sam" and his noble sons.
Then it would give vent to its pent up wrath in
hisses and shrieks, bidding proud defiance to Jeff.
Davis and his minions, who were trying in vain to
stop its humane and patriotic efforts. For more
than three weeks those brave men kept the steam
up in that mill, until their object was accom
plished, having to stop almost every half hour to
repair the ravages of shot and shell. Notwith
standing the constant fire of the rebel batteries,
the dilapidated appearance of the mill from its
effects, and the danger of the situation, yet not a
man was killed in or about it, and not one wound
ed, to my knowledge.
I remember one day of passing the mill in a
great hurry — and it was well that I was in a hurry,
for I had scarcely rode by it when I heard a ter
rific crash close at hand, which made my horse
leap from the ground with terror. Upon turning
round I saw that a part of the smoke stack had
been carried away, and the mill was on fye. I
rode up to the door and inquired if any one was
killed or injured ; no, not a man was hurt, and the
fire was soon subdued by the vigorous efforts of
88 A REBEL APPEAL.
those sturdy soldiers, who looked as jolly over the
disaster as if it had really been a good joke.
The rebels were beginning to make some des
perate assaults upon our outposts; they were
driving in the advance pickets on our left wing,
and making similar demonstrations along different
parts of the line. They were evidently concen
trating a large force behind their fortifications,
and were determined to make a desperate resist
ance. Deserters came in bringing Richmond pa
pers crowded with appeals to the Southern " chiv
alry," of which the following is a specimen:
" The next few days may decide the fate of
Richmond. It is either to remain the Capital of
the Confederacy, or to be turned over to the Fed
eral Government as a Yankee conquest. The
Capital is either to be secured or lost — it may be
feared not temporarily, and with it Virginia.
Then, if there is blood to be shed, let it be shed
here ; no soil of the Confederacy could drink it
up more acceptably, and none would hold it more
gratefully. Wife, family, and friends are nothing.
Leave them all for one glorious hour to be devoted
to the Republic. Life, death, and wounds are
nothing if we only be saved from the fate of a
captured and humiliated Confederacy. Let the
Government act; let the people act. There is
time yet. If fate comes to its worst, let the ruins
of Richmond be its most lasting monument."
General McClellan's despatch to the War De-
SITUATION -AT YORKTOWN. 89
partment will best describe the state of affairs at
this time in Yorktown and vicinity ; he says :
u The whole line of the Warwick, which really
heads within a mile of Yorktown, is strongly de
fended by detached redoubts and other fortifica
tions, armed with heavy and light guns. The
approaches, except at Yorktown, are covered by
the Warwick, over which there is but one, or at
most, two passages, both of which are covered by
strong batteries. All the prisoners state that
General J. E. Johnson arrived at Yorktown yes
terday, with strong reinforcements. It seems clear
that I shall have the whole force of the enemy on
my hands — probably not less than one hundred
thousand men, and possibly more.
" Under the circumstances which have been de
veloped since we arrived here, I feel fully im
pressed with the conviction that here is to be
fought the great battle that is to decide the exist
ing contest. I shall of course commence the
attack as soon as I can get up my siege train, and
shall do all in my power to carry the enemy's
works ; but to do this, with a reasonable degree
of certainty, requires, in my judgment, that I
should, if possible, have at least the whole of the
first corps to land upon the Severn river and at
tack Gloucester in the rear. My present strength
will not admit of a detachment sufficient for this
purpose without materially impairing the efficiency
of this column."
90 REBEL VIXENS.
While these preparations were going forward
on both sides, Professor Lowe was making balloon
reconnoissances, and transmitting the result of his
observations to General McClellan by telegraph
from his castle in the air, which seemed suspended
from the clouds, reminding one of the fabled gods
of old looking down from their ethereal abodes
upon the conflicts of the inhabitants of this mun
dane sphere. One of the officers one day play
fully remarked: "Professor, I am always sorry
when I see you descend with your balloon."
"Why are you sorry, Colonel? Would you wish
to see me suspended between heaven and earth all
the time?" "Oh, no, not that; but when I see
you coming down I am afraid you will never get
so near heaven again."
I was often sent out to procure supplies for the
hospitals, butter, eggs, milk, chickens, etc., and in
my rambles I used to meet with many interesting
adventures. In some instances I met with narrow
escapes with my life, which were not quite so in
teresting ; and the timely appearance of my re
volver often rescued me from the hands of the
female rebels of the Peninsula. Persons dwelling
in regions which slavery has not debased can
hardly imagine the malice and ferocity manifested
by the rebel vixens of the slave states. Upon
this point the testimony from all parts of the
South is invariable. The Louisville Journal says :
" Thousands have read with astonishment the ac-
A CURIOUS VISIT. 91
count which historians give of the conduct of
women in Paris during the Reign of Terror. The
women are said to have been more fierce and
bloodthirsty than even the fiercest and most blood
thirsty of the men. Many of our people have sup
posed that the accounts given of those things must
surely be fictions or exaggerations. They have
felt themselves unable to conceive that woman's
nature could become a thing so utterly revolting.
But if they will look and 'listen in this region, at
the present time, they will find that they have no
further reason for incredulity or scepticism. The
bitter and ferocious spirit of thousands of rebel
women in Kentucky, Tennessee, and other States,
is scarcely, if at all, surpassed by the female mon
sters that shrieked and howled for victims in the
French Revolution.'7
I will here relate a little incident illustrative of
the peculiarity of my adventures while on this ca
tering business : One morning I started, all alone,
for a five mile ride to an isolated farm-house about
three miles back /rom the Hampton road, and
which report said was well supplied with all the,
articles of which I was in search. I cantered along
briskly until I came to a gate which opened into
a lane leading directly to the house. It was a
large old fashioned two-story house, with immense
chimneys built outside, Virginia style. The farm,
appeared to be in good condition, fences all up,
a rare thing on the Peninsula, and corn-fields
92 A STRANGE HOSTESS.
flourishing as if there were no such, thing as war
in the land.
I rode up to the house and dismounted, hitched
mj horse to a post at the door, and proceeded
to ring the bell. A tall, stately lady made her ap
pearance, and invited me in with much apparent
courtesy. She was dressed in deep mourning,
which was very becoming to her pale, sad face.
She seemed to be about thirty years of age, very
prepossessing in appearance, and evidently be
longed to one of the "F. F. Vs." As soon as I
was seated she inquired: "To what fortunate cir
cumstance am I to attribute the pleasure of this
unexpected call ? " I told her in a few words the
nature of my business. The intelligence seemed
to cast a deep shadow over her pale features,
which all her efforts could not control. She
seemed nervous and excited, and something in
her appearance aroused my suspicion, notwith
standing her blandness of manner and lady-like
deportment.
She invited me into another room, while she
prepared the articles which she proposed to let
me have, but I declined, giving as an excuse that
I preferred to sit where I could see whether
my horse remained quiet. I watched all her
movements narrowly, not daring to turn my eyes
Qside for a single moment. She walked round in
her stately way for some time, without accom
plishing much in the way of facilitating my depar
SHE TRIES TO 1C ILL ME. 93
ture, and she was evidently trying to detain mo
for some purpose or other. Could it be that she
was meditating the best mode of attack, or was
she expecting some one to come, and trying
to detain me until their arrival ? Thoughts liko
these passed through my mind in quick succession.
At last I rose up abruptly, and asked her if the
things were ready. She answered me with an as
sumed smile of surprise, and said : " Oh, I did not
know that you were in a hurry : I was waiting
for the boys to come and catch some chickens for
you." "And pray, madam, where are the boys ? "
I asked ; u Oh, not far from here," was her reply.
"Well, I have decided not to wait; you will
please not detain me longer," said I, as I moved
toward the door. She began to pack some butter
and eggs both together in a small basket which I
had brought with me, while another stood beside
her without anything in it. I looked at her ; she
was trembling violently, and was as pale as death,
In a moment more she handed me the basket, anct
I held out a greenback for her acceptance ; " Oh,
it was no consequence about the pay ; " she did
not wish anything for it. So I thanked her and
went out.
In a few moments she came to the door, but did
not offer to assist me, or to hold the basket, or
anything, but stood looking at me most malicious
ly, I thought. I placed the basket on the top of
the post to which my horse had been hitched, took
94 I CAPTURE A PRISONER.
my seat in the saddle, and then rode up and took
my basket. Turning to her I bade her good
morning, and thanking her again for her kindness,
I turned to ride away.
I had scarcely gone a rod when she discharged
a pistol at me ; by some intuitive movement I
threAV myself forward on my horse's neck and the
ball passed over my head. I turned my horse in
a twinkling, and grasped my revolver. She was
in the act of firing the second time, but was so
excited that the bullet went wide of its mark. I
held my seven-shooter in my hand, considering
where to aim. I did not wish to kill the wretch,
but did intend to wound her. When she saw that
two could play at this game, she dropped her
pistol and threw up her hands imploringly. I
took deliberate aim at one of her hands, and sent
the ball through the palm of her left hand. She
fell to the ground in an instant with a loud shriek.
I dismounted, and took the pistol which lay be^
side her, and placing it in my belt, proceeded to
take care of her ladyship after the following man
ner : I unfastened the end of my halter-strap and
tied it painfully tight around her right wrist, and
remounting my horse, I started, and brought the
lady to consciousness by dragging her by the
wrist two or three rods along the ground. I
stopped, and she rose to her feet, and with wild
entreaties she begged me to release her, but, in
stead of doing so, I presented a pistol, and told
MY WOUNDED PRISONER. 95
her that if she uttered another word or scream
she was a dead woman. In that way I succeeded
in keeping her from alarming any one who might
be within calling distance, and so made my way
toward McClellan's headquarters.
After we had gone in that way about a mile
and a half, I told her that she might ride if she
wished to do so, for I saw she was becoming
weak from loss of blood. She was glad to accept
the offer, and I bound up her hand with my hand
kerchief, gave her my scarf to throw over her
head, and assisted her to the saddle. I marched
along beside her, holding tight to the bridle rein
all the while. When we were about a mile from
McClellan's headquarters she fainted, and I caught
her as she was falling from the horse. I laid her
by the roadside while I went for some water,
which I brought in my hat, and after bathing her
face for some time she recovered.
For the first time since we started I entered
into conversation with her, and found that within
the last three weeks she had lost her father, hus
band, and two brothers in the rebel army. They
had all belonged to a company of sharpshooters,
and were the first to fall. She had been almost
insane since the intelligence reached her. She
said I was the first Yankee that she had seen since
the death of her relatives, the evil one seemed to
urge her on to the step she had taken, and if I
would not deliver her up to the military powers,
96 A CONVERSION.
she would go with me and take care of the
wounded. She even proposed to take the oath
of allegiance, and seemed deeply penitent. "If
thy brother (or sister) sin against thee, and re
pent, forgive him," are the words of the Saviour.
I tried to follow their sacred teachings there and
then, and told her that I forgave her fully if she
was only truly penitent. Her answer was sobs
and tears.
Soon after this conversation we started for camp,
she weak and humbled, and I strong and rejoicing.
None ever knew from that day to this the secret of
that secesh woman becoming a nurse. Instead of
being taken to General McClellan's headquarters,
she went direct to the hospital, where Dr. P.
dressed her hand, which was causing her extreme
pain. The good old surgeon never could solve
the mystery connected with her hand, for we both
refused to answer any questions relating to the
wound, except that she was shot by a "Yankee,"
which placed the surgeon under obligations to
take care of the patient until she recovered — that
is to say as long as it was convenient for him to
do so.
The next day she returned to her house in an
ambulance, accompanied by a hospital steward,
and brought away everything which could be
made use of in the hospitals, and so took up her
abode with us. Her name was Alice M., but we
called her Nellie J. She soon proved the genuine-
A LOST FRIEND. 97
ness of her conversion to the Federal faith by her
zeal for the cause which she had so recently es
poused. As soon as she was well enough to act
in the capacity of nurse she commenced in good
earnest, and became one of the most faithful and
efficient nurses in the army of the Potomac. But
that was the first and the only instance of a female
rebel changing her sentiments, or abating one iota
in her cruelty or hatred toward the "Yankees ;" and
also the only real lady in personal appearance,
education and refinement, that I ever met among
the females of the Peninsula.
CHAPTEPx, VII.
A LOST FRIEND DEATH OF LIEUTENANT JAMES V. HI3 BURIAL
THE GRAVE BY NIGHT MY VOW A SOLDIER-CHAPLAIN—
RECOGNITIONS IN HEAVEN DOUBTS AND DISSATISFACTION-
CAPTURE OF A SPY MY EXAMINATIONS AT HEADQUARTERS
MY DISGUISE AS A SPY 1 AM METAMORPHOSED INTO A
CONTRABAND HIRED AS A COOK BISCUIT MAKING THE
DOCTOR'S TEA.
NOT long after these events, returning one day
from an excursion, I found the camp almost
deserted, and an unusual silence pervading all
around. Upon looking to the right and left to
discover the cause of so much quietness, I saw a
procession of soldiers slowly winding their way
from a peach orchard, where they had just depos*
98 DEATH OF LIEUT. JAMES V.
ited the remains of a comrade. Who could it
have been ? I did not dare to go and meet them
to inquire^ but I waited in painful suspense until
the procession came up, with arms reversed. With
sad faces and slow and measured tread they re
turned in order as they had gone. I stepped for
ward and inquired whom they had buried. Lieu
tenant James Y. was the reply.
My friend ! They had buried him, and I had
not seen him ! I went to my tent without uttering
a word. I felt as if it could not be possible that
what I heard was true. It must be some one else.
I did not inquire how, when or where he had been
killed, but there I sat with tearless eyes. Mr. and
Mrs. B. came in, she sobbing aloud, he calm and
dignified, but with tears slowly rolling down his
face. Lieutenant Y. was thirty-two years of age ;
he was tall, had black wavy hair, and large black
eyes. He was a sincere Christian, active in all the
duties devolving upon a Christian soldier, and was
greatly beloved both by officers and men. His
loss was deeply felt. His heart, though brave,
was tender as a woman's. He was noble and gen
erous, and had the highest regard for truth and
law. Although gentle and kind to all, yet he had
an indomitable spirit and a peculiar courage and
daring, which almost amounted to recklessness in
time of danger. He was not an American, but
Was born of English parents, and was a native of
St. John, New Brunswick. I had known him al-
II IS BURIAL. 99
most from childhood, and found him always a
faithful friend.
When we met in the army we met as strangers.
The changes which five years had wrought, and
the costume which I wore, together with change
of name, rendered it impossible for him to recog
nize me. I was glad that he did not, and took
peculiar pleasure in remaining unrecognized.
We became acquainted again, and a new friend
ship sprang up, on his part, for mine was not new,
which was very pleasant, at least to me. At times
my position became very embarrassing, for I was
obliged to listen to a recapitulation of my own
former conversations and correspondence with
him, which made me feel very much like an eaves
dropper. He had neither wife, mother nor sister,
and, like myself, was a wanderer from his native
land. There was a strong bond of sympathy ex
isting between us, for we both believed that duty
called us there, and were willing to lay down even
life itself, if need be, in this glorious cause. Now
he was gone, and I was left alone with a deeper
sorrow in my heart than I had ever known before.
Chaplain B. broke the painful silence by inform
ing me how he had met his fate. He was acting
in the capacity of aide-de-camp on General C.'s
staff. He was sent to carry an order from head
quarters to the officer in command of the outer
picket line, and while riding along the line he was
struck by a Minnie ball, which passed through the
100 THE GRAVE BY NIGHT.
temple, killing him instantly. His remains were
brought to camp and prepared for their last rest
ing place. Without shroud or coffin, wrapped in
his blanket, his body was committed to the cold
ground. They made his grave under a beautiful
pear tree, in full bloom, where he sleeps peaceful
ly, notwithstanding the roar of cannon and the din
of battle which peal forth their funeral notes over
his dreamless bed.
One more buried
Beneath the sod,
One more standing
Before his God.
We should not weep
That he has gone ;
With us 'tis night,
With him 'tis mom.
Night came at last with its friendly mantle, and
our camp was again hushed in comparative repose.
Twelve o'clock came, but I could not sleep.
Visions of a pale face and a mass of black wavy
hair, matted with gore which oozed from a dark
purple spot on the temple, haunted me. I rose
up quietly and passed out into the open air. The
cool night breeze felt grateful to my burning brow,
which glowed with feverish excitement. With a
hasty word of explanation I passed the camp
guard, and was soon beside the grave of Lieuten
ant V. The solemn grandeur of the heavens, the
silent stars looking lovingly down upon that little
heaped up mound of earth, the death-like stillness
A SOLDIER CHAPLAIN. 101
of the hour, only broken by the occasional boom
ing of the enemy's cannon, all combined to make
the scene awfully impressive. I felt that I was
not alone. I was in the presence of that God who
had summoned my friend to the eternal world, and
the spirit of the departed one was hovering near,
although my dim eyes could not penetrate the
mysterious veil which hid him from my view. It
was there, in that midnight hour, kneeling beside
the grave of him who was very dear to me, that I
vowed to avenge the death of that Christian hero.
I could now better understand the feelings of poor
Nellie when she fired the pistol at me, because I
was " one of the hated Yankees who was in sym
pathy with the murderers of her husband, father
and brothers."
But I could not forgive his murderers as she
nad done. I did not enjoy taking care of the sick
and wounded as I once did, but I longed to go
forth and do, as a noble chaplain did at the battle
of Pittsburg Landing. He picked up the musket
and cartridge-box of a wounded soldier, stepped
into the front rank, and took deliberate aim at one
rebel after another until he had fired sixty rounds
of cartridge ; and as he sent a messenger of death
to each heart he also sent up the following brief
prayer: uMay God have mercy upon your miser
able soul."
From this time forward I became strangely in
terested in the fifteenth chapter of first Corinthians -
102 EECOGNITION IN HEAVEN.
the doctrine of the resurrection, and the hope of
u recognition of friends in heaven" became very
precious to me. For I believe with regard to our
departed loved ones, that
"When safely landed on that heavenly shore
Where sighings cease and sorrows come no more —
With hearts no more by cruel anguish riven,
As we have loved on earth we'll love in heaven.
And infinitely more than we are capable of loving
here. "Few things connected with the great here
after so deeply concern the heart as the question
of personal recognition in heaven. Dear ones of
earth, linked to our hearts by the most tender ties,
have departed and gone away into the unknown
realm. We have carefully and tearfully laid their
bodies in the grave to slumber till the great
awakening morning. If there is no personal re
cognition in heaven, if we shall neither see nor
know our friends there, so far as we are concerned
they are annihilated, and heaven has no genuine
antidote for the soul's agony in the hour of be
reavement. All the precious memories of toil and
trial, of conflict and victory, of gracious manifes
tations and of holy joy, shared with them in the
time of our pilgrimage, will have perished forever.
The anxiety of the soul with regard to the recog
nition of our friends in the future state is natural.
It springs from the holiest sympathies of the hu-
toan heart, and any inquiry that may solve our
DOUBTS AND DISSATISFACTION. 103
doubts or relieve our anxiety is equally rational
and commendable.
"Tell me, ye who have seen the open tomb re
ceive into its bosom the sacred, trust committed to
its keeping, in hope of the first resurrection — ye
who have heard the sullen rumbling of the clods
as they dropped upon the coffin lid, and told you
that earth had gone back to earth ; when the sep
aration from the object of your love was realized
in all the desolation of bereavement, next to the
thought that you should ere long see Christ as he
is and be like him, was not that consolation the
strongest which assured you that the departed
one, whom God has put from you into darkness,
will run to meet you when you cross the threshold
of immortality, and, with the holy rapture to
which the redeemed alone can give utterance, lead
you to the exalted Saviour, and with you bow at
his feet and cast the conqueror's crown before
him ? And is this hope vain ? Shall we not even
know those dear ones in the spirit world ? Was
this light of hope that gilded so beautifully the
sad, dark hour of human woe, only a mocking ignis
fatuus, so soon to go out in everlasting darkness ?
Is this affection, so deep, so holy, yearning over
its object with undying love, to be nipped in the
very bud of its being ? Nay, it cannot be. The^e
must have been some higher purpose ; God could
not delight in the bestowal of affections that were
to be blighted in their very beginning, and of
104 FRIENDLY COUNSEL.
hopes that were to end only in the mockery of
eternal disappointment."
If fate unite the faithful but to part,
is their memory sacred to the heart ?
Oh, thank God for FAITH! for a faith that takes
hold of that which is within the veil. There we
behold our loved ones basking in the sunshine of
the Redeemer's love — there they see Him face to
face, and know as they are known. And they
speak to us from the bright eternal world, and
bid us
Weep not at nature's transient pain ;
Congenial spirits part to meet again.
Just at this crisis I received a letter from a
friend of mine at the North, disapproving in strong
terms of my remaining any longer in the army,
requesting me to give up my situation immediate
ly, and to meet him in Washington two weeks
from date. I regarded that friend's opinions very
much, especially when they coincided with my
own ; but upon this point no two opinions could
differ more widely than did ours.
It is true I was becoming dissatisfied with my
situation as nurse, and was determined to leave
the hospital ; but before doing so I thought it best
to call a council of three, Mr. and Mrs. B. and I,
to decide what was the best course to pursue.
After an hour's conference together the matter
was decided in my mind. Chaplain B. told me
CAPTURE OF A SPY. 105
that he knew of a situation he could get for me if
I had sufficient moral courage to undertake its
duties; and, said he, "it is a situation of great
danger and of vast responsibility."
•That morning a detachment of the Thirty-sev
enth New York had been sent out as scouts, and
had returned bringing in several prisoners, who
stated that one of the Federal spies had been cap
tured at Richmond and was to be executed. This
information proved to be correct, and we lost a
valuable soldier from the secret service of the
United States. Now it was necessary for that va
cancy to be supplied, and, as the Chaplain had
said with reference to it, it was a situation of great
danger and vast responsibility, and this was the
one which Mr. B. could procure for me. But was
I capable of filling it with honor to myself and ad
vantage to the Federal Government ? This was
an important question for me to consider ere I
proceeded further. I did consider it thoroughly,
and made up my mind to accept it with all its
fearful responsibilities. The subject of life and
death was not weighed in the balance ; I left that
in the hands of my Creator, feeling assured that I
was just as safe in passing the picket lines of the
enemy, if it was God's will that I should go there,
as I would be in the Federal camp. And if not,
then His will be done :
Then welcome death, the end of fears.
My name was sent in to headquarters, and I was
106 DISGUISE AS A SPY.
soon summoned to appear there myself. Mr. and
Mrs. B. accompanied me. We were ushered into
the presence of Generals Me., M. andH., where I
was questioned and cross-questioned with regard
to my views of the rebellion and my motive in
wishing to engage in so perilous an undertaking.
My views were freely given, my object briefly
stated, and I had passed trial number one.
Next I was examined with regard to my knowl
edge of the use of firearms, and in that depart
ment I sustained my character in a manner worthy
of a veteran. Then I was again cross-questioned,
but this time by a new committee of military stars.
Next came a phrenological examination, and find-
ing that my organs of secretiveness, combativeness,
etc., were largely developed, the oath of allegiance
Was administered, and I was dismissed with a few
complimentary remarks which made the good Mr,
B. feel quite proud of his protege. This was the
third time that I had taken the oath of allegiance
to the United States, and I began to think, as
many of our soldiers do, that profanity had become
a military necessity.
I had three days in which to prepare for my
debut into rebeldom, and I commenced at once to
remodel, transform and metamorphose for the oc
casion. Early next morning I started for Fortress**
Monroe, where I procured a number of articles
indispensably necessary to a complete disguise.
In the first place I purchased a suit of contraband
I TURN CONTRABAND. 107
clothing, real plantation style, and then I went to
a barber and had my hair sheared close to my
head.
Next came the coloring process — head, face,
neck, hands and arms were colored black as any
African, and then, to complete my contraband cos
tume, I required a wig of real negro wool. But
how or where was it to be found ? There was no
such thing at the Fortress, and none short of
Washington. Happily I found • the mail-boat was
about to start, and hastened on board, and finding
a Postmaster with whom I was acquainted, I
stepped forward to speak to him, forgetting my
contraband appearance, and was saluted with—
" Well, Massa Cuff— what will you have ? " Said
I: "Massa send me to you wid dis yere money
for you to fotch him a darkie wig from Washing
ton." " What the does he want of a darkie
wig?" asked the Postmaster. "No matter, dat's
my orders ; guess it 's for some 'noiterin' business."
"Oh, for reconnoitering you mean; all right old
fellow, I will bring it, tell him." I remained at
Fortress Monroe until the Postmaster returned
with the article which was to complete my dis
guise, and then returned to camp near Yorktown.
On my return, I found myself without friends
— a striking illustration of the frailty of human
friendship — I had been forgotten in those three
short days. I went to Mrs. B. 's tent and inquired if
she wanted to hire a boy to take care of her horse.
108 HIRED AS A COOK.
She was very civil to me, asked if I came from
Fortress Monroe, and whether I could cook. She
did not want to hire me, but she thought she
could find some one who did require a boy. Off
she went to Dr. E. and told him that there was a
smart little contraband there who was in search of
work. Dr. E. came along, looking as important
as two year old doctors generally do. "Well, my
boy, how much work can you do in a day ? " " Oh,
I reckon I kin work right smart ; kin do heaps o'
work. Will you hire me, Massa?" "Don't know
but I may; can you cook?" "Yes, Massa, kin
cook anything I ebber seen." "How much do
you think you can earn a month ? " " Guess I kin
earn ten dollars easy nun0." Turning to Mrs. B.
he said in an undertone: "That darkie under
stands his business." "Yes indeed, I would hire
him by all means, Doctor," said Mrs. B. "Well,
if you wish, you can stay with me a month, and by
that time I will be a better judge how much you
can earn."
So saying Dr. E. proceeded to give a synopsis
of a contraband's duty toward a master of whom
he expected ten dollars per month, especially em
phasising the last clause. Then I was introduced
to the culinary department, which comprised flour,
pork, beans, a small portable stove, a spider, and
a medicine chest. It was now supper time, and I
was supposed to understand my business sufficient
ly to prepare supper without asking any questions
THE DOCTOR'S TEA.. 109
whatever, and also to display some of my boasted
talents by making warm biscuit for supper. But
how was I to make biscuit with my colored hands ?
and how dare I wash them for fear the color would
wash off? All this trouble was soon put to an
end, however, by Jack's making his appearance
while I was stirring up the biscuit with a stick,
and in his bustling, officious, negro style, he said ;
u See here nig — you don't know nuffin bout makin
bisket. Jis let me show you once, and dat ar will
save you heaps o' trouble wid Massa doct'r for
time to come." I very willingly accepted of this
proffered assistance, for I had all the necessary in
gredients in the dish, with pork fat for shortening,
and soda and cream- tar tar, which I found in the
medicine chest, ready for kneading and rolling
out. After washing his hands and rolling up his
sleeves, Jack went to work with a flourish and a
grin of satisfaction at being u boss" over the new
cook. Tea made, biscuit baked, and the medicine
chest set off with tin cups, plates, etc., supper was
announced. Dr. E. was much pleased with the
general appearance of things, and was evidently
beginning to think that he had found rather an in
telligent contraband for a cook.
CHAPTER VIII.
MY FIRST SECRET EXPEDITION MY WORK AMONG CONTRA
BANDS PICKAXE, SHOVEL AJJD WHEELBARROW COUNTING
THE GUNS IN A REBEL FORTIFICATION A CHANGE OF WORK
CARRYING WATER TO THE REBEL SOLDIERS GENERALS LEE
AND JOHNSON THE REBEL FORCE AT YORKTOWN A COUN
CIL OF WAR TURNING WHITE AGAIN A REBEL SPY LIEU
TENANT V.'S MURDERER ON PICKET DUTY MY RETURN TO
OUR LINES 1 PUT ON UNIFORM AND MAKE MY REPORT.
AFTER supper I was left to my own reflections,
which, were anything but pleasant at that
time ; for in the short space of three hours I must
take up my line of march toward the camp of the
enemy. As I sat there considering whether it was
best for me to make myself known to Mrs. B. be
fore I started, Dr. E. put his head in at the tent
door and said in a hurried manner : u Ned, I want
you to black my boots to-night ; I shall require
them early in the morning." "All right, Massa
Doct'r," said I; "I allers blacks de boots over
night." After washing up the few articles which
had taken the place of dishes, and blacking the
Doctor's boots, I went to seek an interview with
Mrs. B. I found her alone and told her who I
was, but was obliged to give her satisfactory
proofs of my identity before she was convinced
SECRET EXPEDITION 111
that I was the identical nurse with whom she had
parted three days previously.
My arrangements were soon made, and I was
ready to start on my first secret expedition toward
the Confederate capital. Mrs. B. was pledged
to secrecy with regard to her knowledge of
"Ned" and his mysterious disappearance. She
was not permitted even to tell Mr. B. or Dr. E.,
and I believe she kept her pledge faithfully. With
a few hard crackers in my pocket, and my revol
ver loaded and capped, I started on foot, without
even a blanket or anything which might create
suspicion. At half-past nine o'clock I passed
through the outer picket line of the Union army,
at twelve o'clock I was within the rebel lines, and
had not so much as been halted once by a senti
nel. I had passed within less than ten rods of a
rebel picket, and he had not seen me. I took this
as a favorable omen, and thanked heaven for it.
As soon as I had gone a safe distance from the
picket lines I lay down and rested until morning.
The night was chilly and the ground cold and
damp, and I passed the weary hours in fear and
trembling. The first object which met my view
in the morning was a party of negroes carrying
out hot coffee and provisions to the rebel pickets.
This was another fortunate circumstance, for I im
mediately made their acquaintance, and was re
warded for my promptness by receiving a cup of
coffee and a piece of corn bread, which helped
112 MADE TO WORK.
very much to chase away the lingering chills of
the preceding night. I remained there until the
darkies returned, and then marched into York-
town with them without eliciting the least sus
picion.
The negroes went to work immediately on the
fortifications after reporting to their overseers, and
I was left standing alone, not having quite made
up my mind what part to act next. I was saved
all further trouble in that direction, for my idle
ness had attracted the notice of an officer, who
stepped forward and began to interrogate me
after the following manner : " Who do you belong
to, and why are you not at work ? " I answered
in my best negro dialect : " I dusn't belong to no
body, Massa, I'se free and allers was ; I'se gwyne
to Richmond to work." But that availed me
nothing, for turning to a man who was dressed in
citizen's clothes and who seemed to be in charge
of the colored department, he said : " Take that
black rascal and set him to work, and if he don't
work well tie him up and give him twenty lashes,
just to impress upon his mind that there's no free
niggers here while there's a d— d Yankee left in
Virginia."
So saying he rode away, and I was conducted
to a breast- work which was in course of erection,
where about a hundred negroes were at work. I
was soon furnished with a pickaxe, shovel, and a
monstrous wheelbarrow, and I commenced forth-
DISGUISED AS A CONTRABAND.— Page 113.
A REBEL FORTIFICATION. 113
with to imitate my companions in bondage. That
portion of the parapet upon which I was sent to
work was about eight feet high. The gravel wag
wheeled up in wheelbarrows on single planks, one
end of which rested on the brow of the breast-
work and the other on the ground. I need not
say that this work was exceedingly hard for the
strongest man ; but few were able to take up their
wheelbarrows alone, and I was often helped by
some good natured darkie when I was just on the
verge of tumbling off the plank. All day long I
worked in this manner, until my hands were blis
tered from my wrists to the finger ends.
The colored men's rations were different from
those of the soldiers. They had neither meat nor
coffee, while the white men had both. Whiskey
was freely distributed to both black and white,
but not in sufficient quantity to unfit them for
duty. The soldiers seemed to be as much in
earnest as the officers, and could curse the Yan
kees with quite as much vehemence. Notwith
standing the hardships of the day I had had my
eyes and ears open, and had gained more than
would counterbalance the day's work.
Night came, and I was released from toil. I
was free to go where I pleased within the fortifi
cations, and I made good use of my liberty. I
made out a brief report of the mounted -guns
which I saw that night in my ramble round the
fort, viz. : fifteen three-inch .rifled cannon, eight-
114 AMONG THE SOLDIERS.
een four and a half-inch, rifled cannon, twenty-
nine thirty-two pounders, twenty-one forty-two
pounders, twenty-three eight-inch Columbiads,
eleven nine-inch Dahlgrens, Hhirteen ten-inch Co
lumbiads, fourteen ten-inch mortars, and seven
eight-inch siege howitzers. This, -together with a
rough sketch of the outer works, I put under the
inner sole of my contraband shoe and returned to
the negro quarters.
Finding my hands would not be in a condition
to shovel much earth on the morrow, I began to
look round among the negroes to find some one
who would exchange places with me whose duty
was of a less arduous character. I succeeded in
finding a lad of about my own size who was en
gaged in carrying water to the troops. He said
he would take my place the next day, and he
thought he could find a friend to do the same the
day following, for which brotherly kindness I
gave him five dollars in greenbacks ; but he de
clared he could not take so much money—" he
neber had so much money in all his life before.'1
So by that operation I escaped the scrutiny of the
overseer, which would probably have resulted in
the detection of my assumed African complexion.
The second day in the Confederate service was
much pleasanter than the first. I had only to sup
ply one brigade with water, which did not require
much exertion, for the day was cool and the well
Was not far distant ; consequently I had an oppor-
A COUNCIL OF WAR. 115
tunity of lounging a little among the soldiers, and
of hearing important subjects discussed. In that
way I learned the number of reinforcements which
had arrived from different places, and also had the
pleasure of seeing General Lee, who arrived while
I was there. It was whispered among the men
that he had been telegraphed to for the purpose
of inspecting the Yankee fortifications, as he was
the best engineer in the Confederacy, and that he
had pronounced it impossible to hold Yorktown
after McClellan opened his siege guns upon it.
Then, too, General J. E. Johnson was hourly ex
pected with a portion of his command. Including
all, the rebels estimated their force at one hundred
and fifty thousand at Yorktown and in that
vicinity.
When Johnson arrived there was a council of
war held, and things began to look gloomy. Then
the report began to circulate that the town was to
be evacuated. One thing I noticed in the rebel
army, that they do not keep their soldiers in the
dark as our officers do with regard to the move
ments and destination of the troops. When an
order comes to the Federal army requiring them
to make some important movement, no person
knows whether they are advancing or retreating
until they get to Washington, or in sight of the
enemy's guns, excepting two or three of the lead
ing generals.
Having a little spare time I visited my sable
116 TURNING WHITE AGAIN.
friends and carried some water for them. After
taking a draught of the cool beverage, one young
darkie looked up at me in a puzzled sort of man
ner, and turning round to one of his companions,
said : " Jim, I'll be darned if that feller aint turnin'
white; if he aint then I'm no nigger." I felt
greatly alarmed at the remark, but said, very care
lessly, "Well, gem'in I'se allers 'spected to come
white some time ; my mudder 's a white woman."
This had the desired effect, for they all laughed at
my simplicity, and made no further remarks upon
the subject. As soon as I could conveniently get
out of sight I took a look at my complexion by
means of a small pocket looking-glass which I car
ried for that very purpose — and sure enough, as
the negro had said, I was really turning white. I
was only a dark mulatto color now, whereas two
days previous I was as black as Cloe. However, I
had a small vial of nitrate of silver in weak solu
tion, which I applied to prevent the remaining
color from coming off.
Upon returning to my post with a fresh supply
of water, I saw a group of soldiers gathered around
some individual who was haranguing them in real
Southern style. I went up quietly, put down my
cans of water, and of course had to fill the men's
canteens, which required considerable time, espe
cially as I was not in any particular hurry just
then. I thought the voice sounded familiar, and
upon taking a sly look at the speaker I recognized
A REBEL SPY.
him at once as a peddler who used to come to the
Federal camp regularly once every week with
newspapers and stationery, and especially at head
quarters. He would hang round there, under
some pretext or other, for half a day at a time
There he was, giving the rebels a full descrip
tion of our camp and forces, and also brought out
a map of the entire works of McClellan's position.
He wound up his discourse by saying : " They lost
a splendid officer through my means since I have
been gone this time. It was a pity though to kill
such a man if he was a d — d Yankee." Then he
went on to tell how he had been at headquarters,
and heard "Lieutenant Y." say thdt he was going
to visit the picket line at such a time, and he had
hastened away and informed the rebel sharpshoot
ers that one of the headquarter officers would be
there at a. certain time, and if they would charge
on that portion of the line they might capture him
and obtain some valuable information. Instead of
this, however, they watched for his approach, and
shot him as soon as he made his appearance.
I thanked God for that information. I would
willingly have wrought with those negroes on
that parapet for two months, and have worn the
skin off my hands half a dozen times, to have
gained that single item. He was a fated man
from that moment ; his life was not worth three
cents in Confederate scrip. But fortunately he did
not know the feelings that agitated the heart of
118 OX PICKET DUTY.
that little black urchin who sat there so quietly
filling those canteens, and it was well that he
did not.
On the evening of the third day from the time
I entered the camp of the enemy I \vas sent, in
•company with the colored men, to carry supper to
the outer picket posts on the right wing. This
was just what I wished for, and had been making
preparations during the day, in view of the possi
bility of such an event, providing, among other
things, a canteen full of whiskey. Some of the
men on picket duty were black and some were
white. I had a great partiality for those of my
own color, so calling out several darkies I spread
before them some corn cake, and gave them a lit
tle whiskey for dessert. While we were thus en
gaged the Yankee Minnie balls were whistling
round our heads, for the picket lines of the con
tending parties were not half a mile distant from
each other. The rebel pickets do not remain
together in groups of three or four as our
men do, but are strung along, one in each place,
from three to four rods apart. I proposed to re
main a while with the pickets, and the darkies
returned to camp without me.
Not long after night an officer came riding
along the lines, and seeing me he inquired what I
was doing there. One of the darkies replied that
I had helped to carry out their supper, and was
Nvaiting until the Yankees stopped firing before I
RETURN TO OUR LINES. 119
started to go back. Turning to me he said, " You
come along with me." I did as I was ordered,
and he turned and went back the same way he
came until we had gone about fifty rods, then,
halting in front of a petty officer he said, "Put
this fellow on the post where that man was shot
until I return." I was conducted a few rods far
ther, and then a rifle was put into my hands, which
I was told to use freely in case I should see any
thing or anybody approaching from the enemy.
Then followed the flattering remark, after taking
me by the coat-collar and giving me a pretty hard
shake, "Now, you black rascal, if you sleep on
your post I'll shoot you like a dog." " Oh no,
Massa, I'se too feerd to sleep," was my only reply.
The night was very dark, and it was beginning
to rain. I was all alone now, but how long before
the officer might return with some one to fill my
place I did not know, and I thought the best thing
I could do was to make good use of the present
moment. After ascertaining as well as possible
the position of the picket on each side of me, each
of whom I found to be enjoying the shelter of the
nearest tree, I deliberately and noiselessly stepped
into the darkness, and was soon gliding swiftly
through the forest toward the "land of the free,"
with my splendid rifle grasped tightly lest I should
lose the prize. I did- not dare to approach very
near the Federal lines, for I was in more danger
of being shot by them than by the enemy ; so I
120 IX UNIFORM.
spent the remainder of the night within hailing
distance of our lines, and with the first dawn of
morning I hoisted the well known signal and was
welcomed once more to a sight of the dear old
stars and stripes.
I went immediately to my tent. Mrs. B. was
delighted at my return ; she was the only person
in camp who knew me. Jack was sent to the
quartermaster's with an order for a new suit of
soldier's clothes. When he saw they were for me,
on his return, he said: "Hi! dat darkie tinks
he's some. Guess he don't cook no more for Massa
Doct'r." After removing as much of the color as
it was possible for soap and water to do, my com
plexion was a nice maroon color, which my new
costume showed off to good advantage. Had my
own mother seen me then, it would have been dif
ficult to convince her of our relationship. I made
out my report immediately and carried it to Gen
eral McClellan's headquarters, together with my
trophy from the land of traitors. I saw General
G. B., but he did not recognize me, and ordered
me to go and tell A. to appear before him in an
hour from that time. I returned again to my tent,
chalked my face, and dressed in the same style as
on examination day, went at the hour appointed,
and received the hearty congratulations of the
General. The rifle was sent to Washington, and
is now in the capitol as a memento of the war.
Do my friends wish to know how I felt in such
NELLIE AND DR. E. 121
a position and in such a costume ? I will tell them.
I felt just as happy and as comfortable as it was
possible for any one to be under similar circum
stances. I am naturally fond of adventure, a lit
tle ambitious and a good deal romantic, and this
together with my devotion to the Federal cause
and determination to assist to the utmost of my
ability in crushing the rebellion, made me forget
the unpleasant items, and not only endure, but
really enjoy, the privations connected with my
perilous positions. Perhaps a spirit of adventure
was important — but patriotism was the grand se
cret of my success.
Being fatigued, and the palms of both my hands
in raw flesh, I thought it best to wait a few days
before setting out upon another adventure.
While I was thus situated I made a point of
becoming acquainted with Nellie, my rebel cap
tive. She was trying to make herself useful in the
hospital, notwithstanding her hand was very pain
ful — often waiting upon those who were suffering
less than she was herself. Her pale, pensive face
and widow's weeds seemed to possess peculiar ai>
tractions for Doctor E., and her hand was a bond
of mutual sympathy between them, and afforded
many pretexts for a half hour's conversation.
CHAPTER IX.
EVACUATION OF YORKTOWN OUR ARMY ON THE DOUBLE
QUICK PURSUIT OP THE FUGITIVES THE ENEMY'S WORKS
A BATTLE ON THE FIELD A " WOUNDED," AND NOT IN
JURED COLONEL CARRYING THE WOUNDED FORT MAGRU-
DER SILENCED THE VICTORY WON BURYING THE DEAD
STORY OF A RING WOUNDED REBELS A BRAVE YOUNG
SERGEANT CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS A SOLDIER^ DEATH-BED
CLOSING SCENES LAST WORDS.
I
THE next day the continuous roar of cannon all
along the lines of the enemy was kept up in
cessantly. "Nor did it cease at night, for when
darkness settled over the encampment, from the
ramparts that stretched away from Yorktown
there were constant gushes of flame, while the
heavy thunder rolled far away in the gloom." A
little after midnight the cannonading ceased, and
a strange silence rested upon hill and valley. The
first dawn of day which broke peacefully over the
landscape discovered to the practiced eye of Pro
fessor Lowe that the entrenchments of the enemy
were deserted; the rebels had abandoned their
stronghold during the night and had fled toward
Richmond.
The news spread throughout the Federal army
like lightning ; from right to left and from center
PURSUIT OF THE FUGITIVES. 123
to circumference the entire encampment was one
wild scene of joy. Music and cheering were the
first items in the programme, and then came the
following order : u Commandants of regiments will
prepare to march with two days' rations, with the
utmost dispatch. Leave, not to return." At about
eight o'clock in the morning our advance guard
entered Yorktown. There were nearly one hun
dred guns of different kinds and calibers and a
large quantity of ammunition. The road over
which the fugitive army passed during the night
was beat up into mortar, knee deep, and was
strewn with fragments of army wagons, tents and
baggage.
The Federal troops were in excellent spirits,
and pushed on after the retreating army almost on
the double quick. In this manner they kept up
the pursuit until toward evening, when the caval
ry came up with the rear-guard of the enemy
about two miles from Williamsburg, where a sharp
skirmish followed. Night came on and firing
ceased; the rebels were behind their entrench
ments, and our army bivouaced for the night.
The cavalry and artillery forces were under corn
mand of General Stoneman; Generals Heintzel-
man, Hooker and Smith were in command of the
advance column of infantry, while Generals Kear
ney, Couch and Casey brought up the rear.
The enemy's works were four miles in extent,
nearly three-fourths of their front being covered by
124
A BATTLE.
the tributaries of Queen's Creek and College Creek.
The main works were a large fortification, called
Fort Magruder, and twelve redoubts for field guns.
The woods around and inside of those works were
felled, and the ground was thickly dotted with
rifle pits. The battle commenced the next morn
ing at half-past seven o'clock. General Hooker
began the attack. The enemy were heavily rein
forced, and made a desperate resistance. Hooker
lost a great number of men and five pieces of ar
tillery before Kearney, Couch or Casey came up.
The roads were a perfect sea of mud, and now it
was raining in torrents. The roar of battle sounded
all along the lines ; the thunder of cannon and the
crash of musketry reverberated through the woods
and over the plain, assuring the advancing troops
that their companions were engaged in deadly
strife.
The thick growth of heavy timber was felled in
all directions, forming a splendid ambush for the
rebel sharpshooters. The Federals moved forward
in the direction of the enemy's works, steadily,
firmly, through ditch and swamp, mud and mire,
loading and firing as they went, and from every
tree, bush and covert, which could conceal a man,
the rebels poured a deadly fire into the ranks of
our advancing troops. I was glad now that I had
postponed my second visit to the enemy, for there
was plenty of work for me to do here, as the
ghastly faces of the wounded and dying testified.
A HUMBUG COLONEL.
125
I was subject to all kinds of orders. One moment
I was ordered to the front with a musket in my
hands ; the next to mount a horse and carry an
order to some general, and very often to take hold
of a stretcher with some strong man and carry the
wounded from the field.
I remember one little incident in connection
with my experience that day which I shall never
forget, viz. : Colonel - - fell, and I ran to help
put him on a stretcher and carry him to a place of
safety, or where the surgeons were, which was
more than I was able to do without overtaxing my
strength, for he was a very heavy man. A poor
little stripling of a soldier and myself carried him
about a quarter of a mile through a terrific storm
of bullets, and he groaning in a most piteous man
ner. We laid him down carefully at the surgeon's
feet, and raised him tenderly from the stretcher,
spread a blanket and laid him upon it, then lin
gered just a moment to see whether the wound
was mortal. The surgeon commenced to examine
the case ; there was no blood to indicate where
the wound was, and the poor sufferer was in such
agony that he could not tell where it was. So the
surgeon examined by piecemeal until he had gone
through with a thorough examination, and there
was not even a scratch to be seen. Doctor E.
straightened himself up and said, " Colonel, you
are not wounded at all ; you had better let these
boys carry you back again." The Colonel became
126 CARRYING THE WOUNDED.
indignant, and rose to his feet with the air of an
insulted hero and said: "Doctor, if I live to get
out of this battle I'll call you to account for those
words ;" to which Doctor E. replied with decision,
" Sir, if you are not with your regiment in fifteen
minutes I shall report you to General H."
I turned and left the spot in disgust, mentally
regretting that the lead or steel of the enemy had
not entered the breast of one who seemed so am
bitious of the honor without the eifect. As I re
turned to my post I made up my mind in future
to ascertain whether a man was wounded or not
before I did anything for him. The next I came
to was Captain Wm. R. M., of the — Michigan.
His leg was broken and shattered from the ankle,
to the knee. As we went to lift him on a stretch
er he said : " Just carry me out of range of the
guns, and then go back and look after the boys.
Me and L. have fallen, and perhaps they are
worse off than I am." Oh how glad I was to hear
those words from his lips. It confirmed the opin
ion I had formed of him long before ; he was one
of my first acquaintances in the army, and, though
he was a strict disciplinarian, I had watched his
Christian deportment and kind and affectionate
manner toward his men with admiration and in
terest. I believed him noble and brave, and those
few words on the battle-field at such a moment
spoke volumes for that faithful captain's heroism
and love for his men.
THE VICTORY WON. 127
The battle was raging fiercely, the men were
almost exhausted, the rebels were fighting like
demons, and were driving our troops back step by
step, while the space between the two lines was
literally covered with dead and wounded men and
horses. One tremendous shout from the Federals
rent the air and fairly shook the earth. We all
knew in an instant, as if by intuition, what called
forth such wild cheers from that weary and almost
overpowered army. " Kearney! " was shouted en
thusiastically along the Federal lines, while the
fresh troops were hurled like thunderbolts upon
the foe. One battery after another was taken
from the enemy, and charge after charge was
made upon their works, until the tide of battle
was turned, Fort Magruder silenced, and the stars
and stripes were floating in triumph over the rebel
works.
The battle was won, and victory crowned the
Union arms. The rebels were flying precipitately
from the field, and showers of bullets thick as hail
followed the retreating fugitives. Night closed
around us, and a darkness which almost equaled
that of "Egypt'7 settled over the battle-field, and
the pitiless rain came down in torrents, drenching
alike the living and the dead. There lay upon
that crimson field two thousand two hundred and
twenty-eight of our own men, and more than that
number of the enemy. It was indescribably sad
to see our weary, exhausted men, with torches,
128 BURYING THE DEAD.
wading through mud to their knees piloting the
ambulances over the field, lest they should trample
upon the bodies of their fallen comrades.
All night long we toiled in this manner, and
when morning came still there were hundreds
found upon the field. Those of the enemy were
found in heaps, both dead and wounded piled to
gether in ravines, among the felled timber, and in
rifle pits half covered with mud. Now the mourn
ful duty came of identifying and burying the
dead. Oh, what a day was that in the history of
my life, as well as of thousands both North and
South. It makes me shudder now while I recall
its scenes.
To see those fair young forms
Crushed by the war-horse tread,
The dear and bleeding ones
Stretched by the piled-up dead.
Oh, war, cruel war ! Thou dost pierce the soul
with untold sorrows, as well as thy bleeding vic
tims with death. How many joyous hopes and
bright prospects hast thou blasted; and how
many hearts and homes hast thou made desolate !
" As we think of the great wave of woe and mis
ery surging over the land, we could cry out in
very bitterness of soul — Oh God ! how long, how
long!"
The dead lay in long rows on the field, their
ghastly faces hid from view by handkerchiefs or
the capes of their overcoats, while the faithful sol-
STORY OF A RING. 129
diers were digging trenches in which to bury the
mangled bodies of the slain. I passed along the
entire line and uncovered every face, in search of
one who had given me a small package the day
before when going into battle, telling me that if
he should be killed to send it home ; and, said he,
" here is a ring on my finger which I want you to
send to . It has never been off my finger
since she placed it there the morning I started for
Washington. If I am killed please take it off and
send it to her." I was now in search of him, but
could find nothing of the missing one. At last I
saw a group of men nearly half a mile distant, who
also seemed to be engaged in burying the dead.
I made my way toward them as fast as I could,
but when I reached them the bodies had all been
lowered into the trench, and they were already
filling it up.
I begged them to let me go down and see if
my friend was among the dead, to which the kind
hearted boys consented. His body lay there par
tially covered with earth ; I uncovered his face ;
he was so changed I should not have recognized
him, but the ring told me that it was he. I tried
with all my might to remove the ring, but could
not. The fingers were so swollen that it was im
possible to get it off. In life it was a pledge of
faithfulness from one he loved, "and in death they
Were not divided."
The dead having been buried and the wounded
130 WOUNDED REBELS.
removed to the churches and college buildings in
Williamsburg, the fatigued troops sought repose.
Upon visiting the wounded rebels I saw several
whom I had met in Yorktown, among them the
sergeant of the picket post who had given me a
friendly shake and told me if I slept on my post
he would shoot me like a dog. He was pretty
badly wounded, and did not seem to remember
me. A little farther on a young darkie lay groan
ing upon the floor. I went to look at him, and
asked if I could do anything for him. I recog
nized in the distorted face before me the same
darkie who had befriended me at Yorktown, and
to whom I had offered the five dollar greenback.
I assure my friends that I repaid that boy's kind
ness with double interest ; I told Doctor E. what
he had done for me when my "hands" turned
traitors. He was made an especial object of inter
est and care.
Some few of the rebel prisoners were gentle
manly and intelligent, and their countenances be
tokened a high state of moral culture. Many were
low, insolent, bloodthirsty creatures, who "neither
feared God nor regarded man ; " while others
there were who seemed not to know enough to be
either one thing or the other, but were simply
living, breathing animals, subject to any order,
and who would just as soon retreat as advance, so
long as they did not have to fight. They did not
care which way the battle went. On the whole
A BRAVE SERGEANT. 131
there was a vast contrast between the northern
and southern soldiers as they appeared in the hos
pitals, but perhaps prejudice had something to do
in making the rebels appear so much inferior to
our men.
In passing through the college bailding I no
ticed a young sergeant, a mere boy, who was shot
in the temple. He attracted my attention, and I
made some inquiry concerning him. He was a
Federal, and belonged to the - - Massachusetts
regiment. An old soldier sitting by him told me
the following: "That boy is not sixteen yet; he
enlisted as a private, and has, by his bravery and
good conduct, earned the three stripes which you
see on his arm. He fought all day yesterday like
a young lion, leading charges again and again
upon the enemy. After we lost our captain and
lieutenants he took command of the company, and
led it through the battle with the skill and cour
age of a young brigadier, until he fell stunned and
bleeding. I carried him off the field, but could
not tell whether he was dead or alive. I washed
the blood from his face ; the cold water had a sal
utary effect upon him, for when Hancock and
Kearney had completed their work, and the
cheers of victory rang over the bloody field, he
was sufficiently revived to hear the inspiring tones
of triumph. Leaping to his feet, faint and sick as
he was, he took up the shout of victory in unison
with the conquerers on the field. But he had
132 CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS.
scarcely uttered the notes of victory and glory
when his strength deserted him and he fell insen
sible to the ground." The old man added : " Gen
eral - - says if he lives through this he will go
into the next battle with shoulder straps on." I
went up to him, took his feverish hand, and told
him that I was glad that his wound was not mor
tal. He thanked me, and said with enthusiasm,
"I would rather have been killed than to have lost
the battle.
There is one thing that I have noticed on the
field in every battle that I have witnessed, viz. :
that the Christian man is the best soldier. Says a
minister of the Gospel, writing upon this subject:
" It is a common saying among the officers that, as
a class, the men who stand foremost when the bat
tle rages are the Christian men. Many a time I
have talked with them about such scenes, and
they have told me that their souls have stood
firm in that hour of strife, and that they have been
perfectly calm. I have had Christian generals tell
me this. I have heard General Howard often say
that in the midst of the most terrific portion of the
battle, when his heart for a moment quailed, he
would pause, and lift up his soul to God and re
ceive strength. "And," said he, "I have gone
through battles without a particle of fear. I have
thought that God sent me to defend my country.
I believed it was a Christian duty to stand in the
foremost of the fight, and why should I be afraid ?"
A SOLDIER'S DEATH-BED. 133
I once heard an eminently pious lady say that
she never could reconcile the idea in her mind of
a Christian going into the army to fight ; it was so
inconsistent with the Christian character that she
was tempted to doubt the piety of all fighting
men. I respect the lady's views upon the sub
ject, but beg leave to differ from her ; for I be
lieve that a man can serve God just as acceptably
in fighting the enemies of liberty, truth and right
eousness with the musket down South, as he can
in the quiet pulpits of the North ; in fact I am in
clined to think he can do so a little more effectu
ally in the former place. I only wish that there
were more of our holy men willing to take up the
carnal weapons of warfare, forego the luxuries of
home, and, by setting examples worthy of emula
tion, both in camp and on the battle field, thus
strike a fatal blow at this unholy rebellion.
The last night I spent in the hospital before
leaving Williamsburg, I witnessed the death of a
Christian soldier, a perfect description of which I
find in the " Memorials of the War:" "It was the
hour of midnight, when the chaplain was sum
moned to the cot of a wounded soldier. He had
only left him an hour before, with confident hopes
of his speedy recovery — hopes which were shared
by the surgeon and the wounded man himself.
But a sudden change had taken place, and the sur
geon had come to say that the man could live but
an hour or two at most, and to beg the chaplain
134 CLOSING SCENES.
to make the announcement to the dying man. He
was soon at his side, but overpowered by his emo
tions, was utterly unable to deliver his message.
The dying man, however, quickly read the solemn
truth in the altered looks of the chaplain, his fal
tering voice and ambiguous words. He had not
before entertained a doubt of his recovery. He
was expecting soon to see his mother, and with
her kind nursing soon to be well. He was there
fore entirely unprepared for the announcement,
and at first it was overwhelming.
utl am to die then; and — how long?' As he
had before expressed hope in Christ, the chaplain
replied : ' You have made your peace with God ;
let death come as soon as it will, He will carry
you safely over the river.7 cYes; but this is so
awfully sudden, awfully sudden ! ' His lips quiv
ered ; he looked up grievingly : cAnd I shall not
see my mother.' ' Christ is better than a moth
er,' murmured the chaplain. 'Yes.' The word
came in a whisper. His eyes were closed; the
lips still wore that trembling grief, as if the chas
tisement were too sore, too hard to be borne ; but
as the minutes passed, and the soul lifted itself up
stronger and more steadily upon the wings of
prayer, the countenance grew calmer, the lips
steadier, and when the eyes opened again there
was a light in their depths that could have come
only from heaven.
" 4I thank you for your courage,' he said more
LAST WORDS. 135
feebly, taking the chaplain's hand ; ' the bitterness
is over now, and I feel willing to die. Tell my
mother' — he paused, gave one sob, dry, and full of
the last anguish of earth — l tell her how I longed
to see her ; but if God will permit me I will be
near her. Tell her to comfort all who loved me ;
to say that I thought of them /ill. Tell my father
that I am glad that he gave his consent. Tell my
minister, by word or letter, that I thought of him,
and that I thank him for all his counsels. Tell
him I find that Christ will not desert the passing
soul, and that I wish him to give my testimony to
the living, that nothing is of real worth but the
religion of Jesus; and now, will you pray with
me?' With swelling emotion and tender tones
the chaplain besought God's grace and presence ;
then, restraining his sobs, he bowed down and
pressed upon the beautiful brow, already chilled
with the breath of the coming angel, twice, thrice,
a fervent kiss. They might have been as tokens
from the father and mother, as well as for himself.
u So thought, perhaps, the dying soldier, for a
heavenly smile touched his face with new beauty,
as he said, l Thank you ; I won't trouble you any
longer. You are wearied out ; go to your rest.'
4 The Lord God be with you ! ' was the firm res
ponse. 'Amen,7 trembled from the fast whitening
lips. Another hour passed, still the chaplain did
not go to rest, but retired to an adjoining room ;
he was about to return to the bedside of the dying
136 TELL MY MOTHER.
when the surgeon met him and whispered softly,
'He is gone.' Christ's soldier had found the cap
tain of his salvation, and received his reward."
.Tell my mother, when you see her,
That I fell amid the strife;
And for freedom and my country
I have given up my life ;
Tell her that I sent this message
Ere my tongue refused to speak,
And you tell her, comrade, won't you ?
Tell my mother not to weep.
Tell her, comrade, how we battled
For our country and the right j
How I held the starry banner
In the thickest of the fight ;
Tell her how they struggled for it,
And, with curses loud and deep,
Took my bosom for their target —
But tell her not to weep.
Tell her I held up the banner
'Mid the screaming shot and shell,
Till the fatal leaden missile
Pierced my side, and then I fell.
Tell her I was ready, waiting,
When my pulses ceased to beat,
And I longed once more to see her —
But you tell her not to weep.
Tell her that the truths she taught me
Nerved my arm and led my feet,
And I trusted in the promise
'Mid the battle's fiercest heat.
Tell her, while my life was ebbing,
That I kissed her face so sweet —
Kissed the picture that she gave me—
And you tell her not to weep.
CALL FOR REINFORCEMENTS. 137
Tell her, comrade, when you see her,
That my battlefields are o'er,
And I've gone to join an army
Where rebellion comes no more ;
Tell her that I hope to greet her,
When together we shall meet,
In that better home in heaven,
Where we never more shall weep.
CHAPTER X.
FORCEMENTS NEWS FROM NORFOLK DESCRIPTION OF THE
MERRIMAC THE ENGAGEMENT IN HAMPTON ROADS FIRST
AND LAST FIGHT OF THE MERRIMAC VICTORY OF THE MONI
TOR ADVANCE ON THE PENINSULA THE BATTLE SONG A
MUDDY MARCH ON THE CHICKAHOMINY CRITICAL POSITION
OF GENERAL BANKS THE PRESIDENT'S DESPATCHES MC-
CLELLAN'S REPLY.
ON the tenth of May headquarters were estab
lished beyond Williamsburg, and communica
tions were opened between the forces moving by
land and water. The following despatch was
then sent by General McClellan to Secretary
Stanton :
" CAMP AT EWELL'S FARM, }
" Three miles beyond Williamsburg, >•
'May 10 th — 5 a. m. )
" From the information reaching me from every
source, I regard it as certain that the enemy will
meet us with all his force on or near the Chicka-
hominy. They can concentrate many more men
138 MCCLELLAN'S DESPATCH.
than I have, and are collecting troops from all
quarters, especially well disciplined troops from
the South. Casualties, sickness, garrisons and
guards have much reduced our numbers, and will
continue to do so. I shall fight the rebel army
with whatever force I may have, but duty re
quires me to urge that every effort be made to
reinforce me, without delay, with all the disposa
ble troops in Eastern Virginia, and that we con
centrate all our forces, as far as possible, to fight
the great battle now impending, and to make it
decisive. It is possible that the enemy may aban
don Richmond without a serious struggle, but I
do not believe he will ; and it would be unwise to
count upon anything but a stubborn and desperate
defense — a life and death contest. I see no other
hope for him than to fight this battle, and we must
win it. I shall fight them whatever their force
may be ; but I ask for every man that the depart
ment can send me. No troops should now be left
unemployed. Those who entertain the opinion
that the rebels will abandon Richmond without a
struggle are, in my judgment, badly advised, and
do not comprehend their situation, which is one
requiring desperate measures. I beg that the
President and Secretary will maturely weigh what
I say, and leave nothing undone to comply with
my request. If I am not reinforced it is probable
that I will be obliged to fight nearly double my
numbers strongly entrenched."
NEWS FROM NORFOLK. 139
Four days later lie writes :
" I will fight the enemy, whatever their force
may be, with whatever force I may have, and I
believe that we shall beat them ; but our triumph
should be made decisive and complete. The soldiers
of this army love their Government, and will fight
well in its support. You may rely upon them.
They have confidence in me as their general, and
in you as their President. Strong reinforcements
will at least save the lives of many of them ; the
greater our force the more perfect will be our com
binations, and the less our loss. For obvious rea
sons I beg you to give immediate consideration to
this communication, and to inform me fully, at the
earliest moment, of your final decision."
A few days7 rest after the fatigues of the battle,
and the glorious news of the evacuation of Nor
folk and the total annihilation of the Merrimac,
had a wonderful effect upon the spirits of our
troops ; they seemed inspired with new courage
and enthusiasm. Hitherto I have said nothing
concerning that great bugbear, the Merrimac.
Perhaps some of my " blue-nose" readers are not
so well posted with regard to the origin and
structure of this formidable rebel battery as the
Americans are, and it may be interesting to some
to listen to a brief description of it.
uUpon the burning and evacuation of the Nor
folk Navy Yard the steam frigate Merrimac was
scuttled and sunk, by order of Commodore Ma-
140 THE MEBRIMAC.
caulay. This was one of the most magnificent
ships in the American navy, being rated as a forty-
gun frigate, of four thousand tons burden. She
Was built in Charlestown, Massachusetts, in 1856,
and was considered one of the finest specimens of
naval architecture then afloat. She was two hun
dred and eighty-one feet long, fifty- two feet broad,
and drew twenty-three feet of water. Her en
gines were of eight hundred horse power, driving
a two-bladed propeller fourteen feet in diameter,
and so adjusted as to be raised from the water
when the vessel was driven by wind alone. Her
armament consisted of twenty-four nine-inch shell
guns, fourteen eight-inch, and two one hundred-
pound pivot guns. This magnificent structure
was raised by the rebels and cut down, leaving
only the hull, which was exceedingly massive and
solid. Over this they constructed a sloping shield
of railroad iron, firmly plaited together, and ex
tending two feet under the water. Its appearance
was much like the slanting roof of a house set upon
a ship's hull, like an extinguisher, the ends of the
vessel, fore and aft, projecting a few feet beyond
this roof. The gun-deck was completely inclosed
by this shield, and nothing appeared above it but
a short smoke-stack and two flag-staffs."
An eye witness gives the following account of
the first appearance and conflict of the Merrimac :
"About noon of Saturday, the eighth of March,
1862, this monster was seen coming around Cra-
THE ENGAGEMENT. 141
ney Island from Norfolk, accompanied by two
other war vessels, the Jamestown and Yorktown,
and quite a little fleet of armed tugs. The Merri-
mac, with her imposing retinue in train, headed
for Newport News, where there was a national
garrison, guarded by the sailing frigates the Cum
berland, of one thousand seven hundred and
twenty-six tons, and the Congress, of one thousand
eight hundred and sixty-seven tons burden. The
Merrimac steamed majestically along, as if con
scious of resistless strength, and as she passed the
Congress discharged a single broadside into the
doomed ship, and then, leaving her to the atten
tion of the Jamestown and Yorktown, made di
rectly for the Cumberland. When the Merrimac
was within a hundred yards of the two frigates,
they both discharged their tremendous broadsides
against her armor.
" The mailed monster quivered a moment under
the fearful concussion, but every ball glanced from
her sloping shield like the wooden arrows of the
Indian from the hide of the crocodile. Her ports
were all closed. Not deigning to pay any atten
tion to the fierce but harmless assault of the two
frigates, she rushed straight forward upon her
prey. The formidable national battery at New
port News opened, with all its immense guns, at
point-blank range, and these solid shot and shells
also glanced harmlessly away. On rushed the si
lent Merrimac, with not a soul on board to be
142 FIGHT OF THE MERRIMAC.
seen, true as an arrow, and with all the power of
her irresistible weight, plunged headlong with a
fearful crash into the side of the helpless frigate.
The iron prow of the assailant struck the Cumber
land amidships, crushing in her side with a mortal
gash. Then, reversing her engine, and not even
annoyed by the cannon balls rattling against her
impervious mail, she retraced her steps a few rods
for another butt.
"As she drew back she turned her broadside to
the wounded victim, and hurled into her bosom a
merciless volley of shot and shells. The ponder
ous missiles tore through the crowded ship, hurling
her massive guns about her decks, and scattering
mutilated bodies in all directions. Again gather
ing headway, she crowded on all steam and made
another plunge at the Cumberland. She struck
directly upon the former wound, and crushed in
the whole side of the ship as if it had been a lat
tice work of laths.
" Timbers as strong as nature and art could
make them, were snapped and crushed like dry
twigs. As the sun went down, that night, over
Hampton Roads, every Union heart in the fleet
and in the fortress throbbed with despair. There
was no gleam of hope. The Merrimac was im
pervious to balls, and could go where she pleased.
In the morning it would be easy work for her to
destroy our whole fleet. She could then shell
Newport News and Fortress Monroe at her leisure,
THE MONITOR VICTORIOUS. 143
setting everything combustible in flames, and driv
ing every man from the guns.
" ' That morrow ! How anxiously we waited for
it ! how much we feared its results ! At sundown
there was nothing to dispute the empire of the
seas with the Merrimac, and had a land attack
been made by Magruder then, God only knows
what our fate would have been.' All at once a
speck of light gleamed on the distant wave ; it
moved ; it came nearer and nearer, and at ten
o'clock that night the Monitor appeared. ' When
the tale of brick is doubled, Moses comes.' I
never more firmly believed in special providences
than at thai hour. Even skeptics were converted,
and said, c God has sent her.' But how insignifi
cant she looked ; she was but a speck on the dark
blue wave at night, and almost a laughable object
by day. The enemy call her a l cheese-box on a
raft,' and the comparison is a good one." But in
significant as she appeared, she saved the Union
fleet, silenced the rebel monster, and eventually
caused her to commit suicide. No wonder then
that the news of the death of this formidable foe
caused great rejoicing among the Union troops.
Orders were issued to continue the advance up
the Peninsula ; and as the jubilant troops were
engaged in striking tents and making the neces
sary preparations consequent upon a hurried
march, " The Battle Song of the Republic " was
being sung with enthusiasm throughout the en-
144 THE BATTLE SONG.
campment by thousands of manly voices, and
every loyal heart seemed inspired by the glorious
sentiments which it contained.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord ;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grape of wrath is stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword ;
His truth is marching on.
CHORUS— Glory, glory, hallelujah I
Glory, gloiy, hallelujah I
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.
I have seen him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps;
They have builded Him an altar in the evening's dews and damps;
I can read his righteous sentence by the dim and flaming lamps;
His day is marching on, etc.
I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel :
As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal ;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,
« Since God is marching on, etc.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment seat;
0, be swift, my soul, to answer Hun ! be jubilant, my feet !
Our God is marching on, etc.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me :
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on, etc.
The roads were so indescribably bad at this
time that the army could make but little progress.
I remember it required thirty-six hours for one
train to accomplish the distance of five miles.
However, after several days wading through mud
and water, the troops reached the White House,
ON THE CHICKAHOMINY. 145
where a portion of the army remained for a time,
while the advance guards pushed on to the Chick-
ahominy River, and established headquarters at
Bottom's Bridge — its further progress being im
peded by the destruction of the bridge by the
rebels.
"The position of the troops were as follows
Stoneman's advance-guard one mile from New
Bridge; Franklin's corps three miles from New
Bridge, with Porter's corps in advancing distance
in its rear ; Simmer's corps on the railroad, about
three miles from the Chickahominy, connecting
the right with the left ; Keyes' on New Kent road,
near Bottom's Bridge, with Heintzelman's corps
at supporting distance in its rear." The ford was
in possession of the federal troops, and a recon
struction of the bridge was immediately com
menced. .
On the 24th of May the two following despatches
were received by Gen. McClellan from the Presi
dent : " I wish you to move cautiously and safely.
You will have command of McDowell precisely as
you indicated in your despatch to us."
" In consequence of Gen. Banks' critical posi
tion, I have been compelled to suspend Gen.
McDowell's movement to join you. The enemy
are making a desperate push upon Harper's Ferry,
and we are trying to throw Gen. Fremont's force,
and part of Gen. McDowell's, in their rear ! "
On the 25th, the President also sent the follow
10
146 THE PRESIDENT'S DESPATCHES.
ing to McClellan: "The enemy is moving north
in sufficient force to drive Gen. Banks before him ;
precisely in what force we cannot tell. He is also
threatening Leesburg and Geary on the Manassas
Gap Railroad, from north and south ; I think the
movement is a general and concerted one — such
as would not be if he was acting upon the purpose
of a very desperate defense of Richmond. I think
the time is near when you must either attack
Richmond or give up the job, and come to the
defense of Washington. Let me hear from you
instantly."
To which McClellan replied : " Telegram re
ceived. Independently of it, the time is very near
when I shall attack Richmond. The object of the
movement is probably to prevent reinforcements
being sent to me. All the information obtained
agree in the statement that the mass of the rebel
troops are still in the vicinity of Richmond. I
have no knowledge of Banks1 position and force,
nor what there is at Manassas ; therefore cannot
form a definite opinion as to the forces against
him. I have two corps across Chickahominy,
within six miles of Richmond ; the others on this
aide at other crossings, within same distance, and
ready to cross when bridges are completed."
CHAPTER XL
ANOTHER DISGUISE 1 BECOME AN IRISH PEDDLER FEVER AND
AGUE A NIGHT OF SUFFERING IN THE SWAMP RETROSPEC
TION LOST IN THE SWAMP CANNON MY GUIDES A SICK
REBEL 1 FIND SOMETHING TO EAT MY NEW PATIENT
SYMPATHY FOR SUFFERING TALK WITH A DYING REBEL
A WILLING DETENTION EXTEMPORIZING A LIGHT THE LAST
HOUR SOLDIERS OF CHRIST THE CHAMBER OF DEATH.
WHILE all these preparations were going for-
ward, I was meditating another visit to the
rebel camp. It was not safe for me to attempt to
palm myself off again on the rebels as a colored
boy. In the first place, I should be in danger of
being recognized as the cowardly picket who de«
serted his post — a crime worthy of death ; and in
the next place, I should be in imminent danger
of blistering my hands .again — a thing which I felt
particularly anxious to avoid, especially in per
forming labor that would enable the enemy more
successfully to repel the attacks of the Federals.
Now a new disguise was necessary, and I decided
to abandon the African relation, and assume that
of the Hibernian. Having had this in view before
leaving Williamsburg, I procured the dress and
outfit of an Irish female peddler, following the
army, selling cakes, pies, etc., together with a
148 ANOTHER DISGUISE.
considerable amount of brogue, and a set of Irish
phrases, which did much toward characterizing
me as one of the u rale ould stock of bog-trotters."
The bridges were not finished across the Chick-
ahominy when I was ready to cross the river, so I
packed up my new disguise in my cake and pie
basket, and my horse, " Frank," and I took a bath
111 the cool water of the Chickahominy. After
swimming my noble steed across the river, I dis
mounted, and led him to the edge of the water — •
gave him a farewell pat, and let him swim back
again to the other side, where a soldier awaited
his return. It was now evening ; I did not know
the precise distance to the enemy's picket line,
but thought it best to avoid the roads, and conse
quently I must spend the night in the swamp, as
the only safe retreat. It required some little time
to don my new disguise, and feel at home in the
clothes. I thought the best place for my debut
Was the u Chickahominy swamp." I did not pur
pose, this time, to pass the enemy's lines in the
night, but to present myself at the picket line, at
a seasonable hour, and ask admission as one of the
fugitives of that section flying from the approach
of the Yankees, which was a usual thing.
In crossing the river I had my basket strapped
on my back, and did not know that all it contained
was completely drenched, until I required to use
its contents. It was, therefore, with feelings of
dread and disappointment that I discovered this
FEYER AND AGUE. 149
sad fact, for I had been suffering from slight ague
chills during the day, and feared the consequences
of spending the night in wet clothing, especially
in that malaria-infested region. However, there
was no alternative, and I was obliged to make the
best of it. I had brought a patch-work quilt with
me from the hospital, but that, too, was wet. Yet
it kept off some of the chill night air, and the
miasmatic breath of that "dismal swamp." The
remembrance of the sufferings of that night seem
to be written upon my memory "as with a pen
of iron." There I was, all alone, surrounded by
worse, yes, infinitely worse, than wild beasts — by
blood-thirsty savages — who considered death far
too good for those who were in the employment
of the United States Government.
That night I was attacked by severe chills — >
chills beyond description, or even conception, ex
cept by those who have experienced the freezing
sensation of a genuine ague chill. During the lat
ter part of the night the other extreme presented
itself, and it seemed as if I should roast alive, and
not a single drop of water to cool my parched
tongue ; it was enough to make any one think of
the "rich man" of the Bible, and in sympathy
with his feelings cry to "Father Abraham" for
assistance. My mind began to wander, and I be
came quite delirious. There seemed to be the
horrors of a thousand deaths concentrated around
me ; I was tortured by fiends of every conceivable
150 RETROSPECTION.
shape and magnitude. Oh, how it makes me
shudder to recall the scenes which my imagina
tion conjured up during those dark weary hours!
Morning at last came, and I was aroused from the
horrible night-mare which had paralyzed my senses
through the night, by the roar of cannon and the
screaming of shell through the forest.
But there I was, helpless as an infant, equally
unable to advance or retreat, without friend or foe
to molest or console me, and nothing even to
amuse me but my own thoughts. I looked upon
the surrounding scenery, and pronounced it very
unromantic ; then my eye fell upon my Irish cos
tume, and I began to remember the fine phrases
which I had taken so much pains to learn, when
the perfect absurdity of my position rushed over
my mind with overwhelming force, and the ludi-
crousness of it made me, for the moment, forget
my lamentable condition, and with one uncontroll
able burst of laughter I made that swamp resound
in a manner which would have done credit to a
person under happier circumstances, and in a bet
ter state of health.
That mood soon passed away, and I began a
retrospection of my past life. It certainly had
been an eventful one. I took great interest in
carefully tracing each link in the chain of circum
stances which had brought me to the spot whereon
I now lay, deserted and alone, in that notorious
Chickahoniiny swamp. And ere I was aware of
LOST IN THE SWAMP.
it, I was sighing over a few episodes in my past
history — and mentally saying, well, only for this
intense love of adventure, such arid such things
" might have been," and I should now be rejoicing
in the honorable title of • — instead of
"wasting my sweetness on the desert air," in the
wilderness of the Peninsula.
Of all the sad words, of tongue or of pen,
The saddest are these — "it might have been."
The cannonading was only the result of a rccon-
noissance, and in a few hours ceased altogether.
But not so my fever and chills; they were my
constant companions for two days and two nights
in succession. At the end of that time I was an
object of pity. With no medicine, no food, and
consequently little strength ; I was nearly in a state
of starvation. My pies and cakes were spoiled in
the basket, in consequence of the drenching they
had received in crossing the river, and now I had
no means of procuring more. But something
must be done ; I could not bear the thought of
thus starving to death in that inglorious manner ;
better die upon the scaffold at Richmond, or be
shot by the rebel pickets ; anything but this. So
I thought and said, as I rallied all my remaining
strength to arrange my toilette preparatory to
emerging from my concealment in the swamp.
It was about nine o'clock in the morning of the
third day after crossing the river, when I started^
152 A SICK KEBE [>,
as I thought, towards the enemy's lines, and a
more broken-hearted, forlorn-looking " Bridget"
never left u ould Ireland," than I appeared to be
that morning. I traveled from that time until five
o'clock in the afternoon, and was then deeper in
the swamp than when I started. My head or
brain was completely turned. I knew not which
way to go, nor did I know east from west, or
north from south.
It was a dark day in every sense of the word —
and I had neither sun nor compass to guide me.
At five o'clock the glorious booming of cannon
reverberated through the dense wilderness, and
to me, at that hour, it was the sweetest and most
soul-inspiring music that ever greeted my ear. I
now turned my face in the direction of the scene
of action, and was not long in extricating myself
from the desert which had so long enveloped me.
Soon after emerging from the swamp I saw, in
the distance, a small white house, and thither I
bent my weary footsteps. I found it deserted,
with the exception of a sick rebel soldier, who lay
upon a straw-tick on the floor in a helpless condi
tion. I went to him, and assuming the Irish
brogue, I inquired how he came to be left alone,
and if I could render him any assistance. He
could only speak in a low whisper, and with much
difficulty, said he had been ill with typhoid
fever a few weeks before, and had not fully re
covered when General Stoneman attacked the
o
SOMETHING TO EAT. 153
rebels in the vicinity of Coal Harbor, and he was
ordered to join his company. He participated in
a sharp skirmish, in which the rebels were obliged
to retreat ; but he fell out by the way, and fearing
to fall into the hands of the Yankees, he had
crawled along as best he could, sometimes on his
hands and knees, until he reached the house in
which I found him.
He had not eaten anything since leaving camp,
and he was truly in a starving condition. I did
not dare say to him u ditto "- —with regard to poor
u Bridget's" case — but thought so, and realized it
most painfully. He also told me that the family
who had occupied the house had abandoned it
since he came there, and that they had left some
flour and corn-meal, but had not time to cook any
thing for him. This was good news for me, and
exhausted as I was, I soon kindled a fire, and in
less than fifteen minutes a large hoe-cake was be
fore it in process of baking, and a sauce-pan of
water heating, for there was no kettle to be found
After searching about the premises, I found some
tea packed away in a small basket, with some
earthearn ware, which the family had forgotten
to take with them. My cake being cooked, and
tea made, I fed the poor famished rebel as ten
derly as if he had been my brother, and he seemed
as grateful for my kindness, and thanked me with
as much politeness, as if I had been Mrs. Jeff Da
vis The next important item was to attend to
154 SYMPATHY FOR SUFFERING.
the cravings of my own appetite, which I did
without much ceremony.
After making my toilet and adjusting my wig
in the most approved Irish style, I approached the
sick man, and for the first time noticed his fea
tures and general appearance. He was a man
about thirty years of age, was tall and had a slight
figure, regular features, dark hair and large,
mournful, hazel eyes; altogether he was a very
pleasing and intelligent looking man. I thought
him quite an interesting patient, and if I had had
nothing more important to attend to, I should
have enjoyed the privilege of caring for him until
he recovered. It is strange how sickness and
disease disarm our antipathy and remove our pre
judices. There lay before me an enemy to the
Government for which I was daily and willingly
exposing my life and suffering unspeakable priva*
tion ; he may have been the very man who took
deadly aim at my friend and sent the cruel bullet
through his temple ; and yet, as I looked upon
him in his helpless condition, I did not feel tho
least resentment, or entertain an unkind thought
toward him personally, but looked upon him only
as an unfortunate, suffering man, whose sad condi
tion called forth the best feelings of my nature,
and I longed to restore him to health and strength ;
not considering that the very health and strength
which I wished to secure for him would be em
ployed against the cause which I had espoused.
A DYING REBEL. 155
I had a great desire to know more of this man
who had so strangely called forth my sympathies,
and finding that he had grown stronger since he
had partaken of some nourishment, I entered into
conversation with him. I found that he was wholly
and conscientiously a Confederate soldier, but,
strange to say, completely divested of that invet
erate hatred of the Yankees which is almost uni
versal among the Southerners. I dared not ex
press my sentiments in very strong terms, but
gently interrogated him with regard to the right
which he claimed the rebels had to take up arms
against the United States Government.
At length I asked him if he professed to be a
Soldier of the Cross ; he replied with emotion and
enthusiasm, "Yes, thank God! I have fought
longer under the Captain of my Salvation than
I have yet done under Jeff. Davis." My next and
last question upon that subject was — " Can you, as
a disciple of Christ, conscientiously and consist
ently uphold the institution of Slavery?" He
made no reply, but fixed those mournful eyes on
my face with a sad expression, as much as to say —
"Ah, Bridget, you have touched a point upon
which my own heart condemns me, and I know
that God is greater than my heart, and will also
condemn me."
In this earnest conversation I had unconsciously
forgotten much of my Hibernian accent, and I
thought that the sick man began to suspect that I
156 A WILLING DETENTION.
was not what my appearance indicated. It alarmed
me for a moment, but I soon recovered my com
posure after stepping forward and examining his
pulse, for he was fast sinking, and the little strength
which he seemed to have a short time before
was nearly exhausted. After studying my coun
tenance a few moments he asked me to pray with
him. I did not dare to refuse the dying man's re
quest, nor did I dare to approach my Maker in an
assumed tone of voice ; so I knelt down beside
him, and in my own natural voice breathed a brief
and earnest prayer for the departing soldier, for
grace to sustain him in that trying hour, and finally
for the triumph of truth and right.
When I arose from my knees he grasped my
hand eagerly and said: u Please tell me who you
are. I cannot, if I would, betray you, for I shall
very soon be standing before that God whom you
have just addressed." I could not tell him the
truth and I would not tell him a falsehood, so I
evaded a direct reply, but promised that when he
became stronger I would tell him my history. He
smiled languidly and closed his eyes, as much as
to say that he understood me.
It was now growing late. I was not far from
the rebel lines, but was not able to successfully act
a part in my present debilitated condition, and
besides, I was glad that I could consistently re
main over night with that poor dying man, rebel
though he was. I began to look around for some-
THE LAST HOUR. 157
tiling which I might convert into a light, but did
not succeed in finding anything better than a
piece of salt pork, which I fried, pouring the fat
into a dish in which I put a cotton rag, and then
lighting the end of the rag I found I had secured
quite a respectable light. After making some
corn-meal gruel for my patient, I took care to
fasten the doors and windows so that no one could
enter the house without my knowledge, and
screened the windows so that no light might at
tract the rebel scouts.
Thus with a sort of feeling of security I took
my seat beside the sick man. The dews of death
were already gathering on his pallid brow. I took
his hand in mine, examined his pulse again, and
wiped the cold perspiration from hibj forehead.
Oh how those beautiful eyes thanked me for these
little acts of kindness ! He felt in his heart that I
did not sympathize with him as a rebel, but that I
was willing to do all that a sister could do for him
in this hour of trial. This seemed to call forth
more gratitude than if I had been heart and hand
with the South. He looked up suddenly and saw
me weeping— for I could not restrain my tears — -
he seemed then to understand that he was really-
dying. Looking a little startled he exclaimed— -
" Am I really dying?"
Oh, how often have I been obliged to answer
that awful question in the affirmative ! " Yes, you
are dying, my friend. Is your peace made with
158 SOLDIERS OF CHRIST.
God?" He replied, "My trust is in Christ; He
was mine in life, and in death He will not forsake
me " — almost the very words I heard a dying Fed
eral soldier say, a few clays before, at the hospital
in Williamsburg. A few weeks previous these
two men had been arrayed against each other in
deadly strife ; yet they were brethren ; their faith
and hope were the same ; they both trusted in the
same Saviour for salvation.
Then he said, " I have a last request to make.
If you ever pass through the Confederate camp
between this and Richmond inquire for Major
McKee, of General Swell's staff, and give him a
gold watch which you will find in my pocket ; he
will know what to do with it ; and tell him I died
happy, peacefully." He then told me his name
and the regiment to which he had belonged. His
name was Allen Hall. Taking a ring from his
finger he tried to put it on mine, but his strength
failed, and after a pause he said, uKeep that ring
in memory of one whose sufferings you have alle
viated, and whose soul has been refreshed by your
prayers in the hour of dissolution." Then folding
his hands together as a little child would do at its
mother's knee, he smiled a mute invitation for
prayer. After a few moments' agonizing prayer
in behalf of that departing spirit, the dying man
raised himself up in the bed and cried out with his
dying breath, "Glory to God! Glory to God! I
am almost home ! "
THE CHAMBER OF DEATH. 159
He was almost gone. I gave him some water,
raised the window, and using my hat for a fan, I
sat down and watched the last glimmering spark
of light go out from those beautiful windows of
the soul. Putting his hand in mine he signed to
me to raise his head in my arms. I did so, and
in a few moments he ceased to breathe.
. He died about twelve o'clock — his hand clasp
ing mine in the painful grip of death, my arm
supporting him, and his head leaning on my bosom
like a wearied child. I laid him down, closed his
eyes, and straightened his rigid limbs ; then fold
ing his hands across his breast, I drew his blanket
close around him and left him in the silent em
brace of death. The beautiful, calm expression of
his face made me think he looked
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.
This was rather a strange position for me to
occupy at midnight — alone with death! Yet I
thanked God that it was my privilege to be there ;
and I thanked Him for the religion of Jesus which
was the strength of my heart in that trying hour.
Yes, I could then rejoice in the providence which
had detained me in the Chickahominy swamp, and
had thus brought me to the bedside of that suffer
ing stranger. Profound silence reigned supreme,
and there was naught to chase away the darkness
of that gloomy midnight hour save the conscious^
ness that God was there.
160 MY REFLECTIONS.
I felt it good thus to be drawn away from the
tumult of Avar, and there, in the presence of the
angel of death, hold communion with my own
heart and drink deep from the well of holy medi
tation. I thought there were happy spirits hover
ing round the lifeless form of him who was so
lovable in life and lovely in death. Yes, I imagined
the shining host had returned from escorting the
triumphant spirit to the Throne of God, and were
now watching the beautiful casket which had en
cased the bright spirit whose companionship had
made some southern home bright and joyous.
I thought, too, of the loved ones who had gone
and left me to finish my journey alone, and who
would soon come to bear me away to that bright
eternal world, if I only proved faithful unto death.
uHow impressively sad, how thrillingly beautiful,
the lesson we glean from this silent spirit commu
nion! Our physical nature starts and shudders at
the thought of joining the silent numbers of the
dead ; but our spiritual nature catches a glimpse
of that spirit-life beyond the portals of the tomb,
where life, pure, free and joyous, shall be ours."
A lesson sad, but fraught with good —
A tearful one, but strengthening food—
Thou givest me ;
We learn that " dust returns to dust,"
Anew in God we put our trust,
And bow the knee.
CHAPTER XII.
IM i A STOIC? — SOMEONE'S DARLING — COMPLETING MY DIS
GUISE ANOTHER START FOR THE REBEL LINES PEPPERING
MY EYES CHALLENGED BY A PICKET A COCKNEY SENTINEL
GETTING INFORMATION PLENTY OF BEEF, BUT NO SALT
RICE AND CORN MEAL BREAD PREPARING TO VISIT HEAD
QUARTERS INTERVIEW WITH MAJOR MC KEE THE MAJOR'S
MISPLACED CONFIDENCE RETURN FOR THE BODY OF THE
REBEL CAPTAIN MY LOOK-OUT FOR YANKEES NEW ORDERS.
PERHAPS some of my readers will pronounce
me a stoic, entirely devoid of feeling, when I
tell them that two hours after I wrapped the un
conscious form of my late patient in his winding-^
sheet, I enveloped myself in my patchwork quilt,
and laid me down not far from the corpse, and
slept soundly until six o'clock in the morning.
Feeling much refreshed I arose, and after spend
ing a few moments by the side of my silent
companion, contemplating the changes which the
King of Terrors had wrought, I cut a lock of hair
from his temple, took the watch and a small pack
age of letters from his pocket, replaced the blank
et reverently, and bade him farewell.
Kiss him once for somebody's sake
Murmur a prayer soft and low ;
One bright curl from its dark mates take,
They were somebody's pride, you know :
162 SOMEBODY'S DARLING.
Somebody's hand hath rested there —
"Was it a mother's, soft and white ?
And have the lips of a sister fair
Been baptized in their waves of light ?
God knows best! He was sombebody's lore;
Somebody's heart enshrined him there;
Somebody wafted his name above,
Night and morn, on the wings of prayer.
Somebody wept when he marched away,
Looking so handsome, brave and grand ;
Somebody's kiss on his forehead lay,
Somebody clung to his parting hand.
Somebody 's waiting and watching for him,
Yearning to hold him again to her heart;
And there he lies with his dark eyes dim,
And the smiling, childlike lips apart.
Tenderly bury the fair young dead,
Pausing to drop in his grave a tear ;
Carve on the wooden slab at his head
" Somebody's darling slumbers here."
After hastily partaking of a slight repast, which
I could scarcely term breakfast, I commenced im
mediate preparations to leave the house. Upon
examining the basket in which I had found the
tea on my arrival, I found a number of articles
which assisted me much in assuming a more per
fect disguise. There was mustard, pepper, an old
pair of green spectacles, and a bottle of red ink.
Of the mustard I made a strong plaster about the
size of a dollar, and tied it on one side of my face
until it blistered it thoroughly. I then cut off the
blister and put on a large patch of black court-
plaster ; with the ink I painted a red line around
my eyes, and after giving my pale complexion a
COMPLETING MY DISGUISE. 163
deep tinge with some ochre which I found in a
closet, I put on my green glasses and my Irish
hood, which came over my face about six inches.
I then made the tour of the house from garret
to cellar, to find all the household fixings which
an Irishwoman would be supposed to carry with
her in such an emergency — for I expected to
be searched before I was admitted through the
the lines. I packed both my baskets, for I had
two now, and was ready for another start. But
before leaving I thought best to bury my pistol
and every article in my possession which could in
any way induce suspicion. Then taking a farewell
look at the beautiful features of the dead, I left
the house, going directly the nearest road to the
rebel picket line. I felt perfectly safe in doing
so, for the rebel soldier's watch was a sufficient
passport in daylight, and a message for Major
McKee would insure me civility at least.
I followed the Richmond road about five miles
before meeting or seeing any one. At length I
saw a sentinel in the distance, but before he ob
served me I sat down to rest and prepare my
mind for the coming interview. While thus wait
ing to have my courage reinforced, I took from
my basket the black pepper and sprinkled a little
of it on my pocket handkerchief, which I applied
to my eyes. The effect was all I could have de
sired, for taking a view of my prepossessing coun
tenance in the small mirror which I always carried
164 A COCKNEY SENTINEL.
with me, I perceived that my eyes had a fine ten
der expression, which added very much to the
beauty of their red borders. I was reminded of
poor Leah of old who failed to secure the affection
of her husband in consequence of a similar blem
ish, and thought myself safe from the slightest ap
proach to admiration on the part of the chivalry.
1 now resumed my journey, and displayed a flag
of truce, a piece of a cotton window curtain which
I brought from the house at which I had stopped
over night. As I came nearer the picket-guard
signaled to me to advance, which I did as fast as
I could under the circumstances, being encum
bered with two heavy baskets packed full of earth
enware, clothing, quilts, etc. Upon coming up to
the guard, instead of being dismayed at his for
midable appearance, I felt rejoiced, for there stood
before me an immense specimen of a jolly English
man, with a bla"nd smile on his good-natured face,
provoked, I presume, by the supremely ludicrous
figure I presented.
He mildly questioned me with regard to my
hopes and fears, whence I came and whither I was
going, and if I had seen any Yankees. My sor
rowful story was soon told. My peppery hand
kerchief was freely applied to my eyes, and the
tears ran down my face without the least effort
on my part. The good-natured guard's sympathy
was excited, more especially as I was a foreigner
like himself, and he told me I could pass along
GETTING INFORMATION. 165
and go just wherever I pleased, so far as he was
concerned, adding in a sad tone, "I wish I was
hat 'ome with my family, hand then Jeff. Davis
hand the Confederacy might go to 'ell for hall me.
Englishmen 'ave no business 'ere."
I mentally exclaimed, " Good for you — you are
one after my own heart," but I replied to the Eng
lishman's patriotic speech after the following man
ner : " Och, indade I wish yez was all at home wid
yer families, barrin them as have no families ; an
sure its we poor craythurs of wimen that's heart
broken intirely, an fairly kilt wid this onnathral
war;" and here my eyes were again carefully
wiped with my handkerchief.
After thanking the picket-guard for his kind
ness, I went on my way toward the rebel camp.
I had not gone far when the guard called me back
and advised me not to stay in camp over night,
for, said he, " One of our spies has just come in
and reported that the Yankees have finished the
bridges across the Chickahominy, and intend to
attack us either to-day or to-night, but Jackson
and Lee are ready for them." He went on to tell
me how many masked batteries they had prepared,
and said he, " There is one," pointing to a brush-
heap by the roadside, "that will give them fits if
they come this way."
Feeling somewhat in a hurry, I started once
more for camp. I concluded after getting through
the lines that I could dispense with one of my bas-
166 RICE AND CORN MEAL BREAD.
kets, so setting one of them down under a tree I
felt much more comfortable, and was not quite so
conspicuous an object going into camp. I went
directly to headquarters and inquired for Major
McKee. I was told that he would not be there
before evening, and my informant drawled out
after me, " He 's gone to set a trap for the d — d
Yankees."
I made up my mind at once that I must
find out as much as possible before night, and
make my way back before the impending battle
came on. Upon looking around the camp I saw
a shanty where some negro women were cooking
meat. I went and told them that I was hun
gry and would like to have something to eat.
" Oh yes, honey, we'se got lots o' meat and bread,
but haint got no salt ; but reckon ye can eat it
without." So saying an old auntie brought me a
piece of boiled fresh beef and some bread ; but I
could not make out what the bread was made of;
as near as I could guess, however, it was made of
boiled rice and corn-meal, and that also was with
out salt.
I thought it would be well to look a little
smarter before I presented myself at headquarters
again, lest I might not meet with that confidence
which I felt it was important for me to secure.
My patched and painted face made it impossible
for any one to define the expression of my coun
tenance. My blistered cheek was becoming very
INTERVIEW WITH THE MAJOR. 167
painful in consequence of the drawing of the court-
plaster. I took off my glasses and bathed my face
in clear, cold water, which did not remove much
of the color, but made me a shade more like my
self; then I succeeded in getting one of the col
ored women to go to the doctor's quarters and get
me some unguent, or simple cerate, with which I
dressed the blister. My eyes were sufficiently dis
figured by this time to dispense with the glasses,
so putting them in my basket I laid them aside for
another occasion. There was no difficulty in find
ing out the force of the enemy or their plans for
the coming battle, for every one, men and women,
seemed to think and talk of nothing else.
Five o'clock came, and with it Major McKee.
I lost no time in presenting myself before his
majorship, and with a profound Irish courtesy I
made known my business, and delivered the watch
and package. I did not require any black pepper
now to assist the lachrymal glands in performing
their duty, for the sad mementoes which I had
just delivered to the major so forcibly reminded
me of the scenes of the past night that I could not
refrain from weeping. The major, rough and
stern as he was, sat there with his face between
his hands and sobbed like a child. Soon he rose
to his feet, surveyed me from head to foot, and
said, " You are a faithful woman, and you shall be
rewarded."
He then asked : u Can you go direct to that
168 MISPLACED CONFIDENCE.
house, and show my men where Allen's body is? "
I answered in the affirmative — whereupon he
handed me a ten dollar Federal bill, saying, as he
did so: ulf you succeed in finding the house, I
will give you as much more." I thanked him,
but positively declined taking the money. He
did not seem to understand the philosophy of a
person in my circumstances refusing money, and
when I looked at him again his face wore a doubt
ful, puzzled expression, which alarmed me. I was
actually frightened, and bursting into a passionate
fit of weeping, I exclaimed vehemently : " Oh,
Gineral, forgive me ! but me conshins wud niver
give me pace in this world nor in the nixt, if I
wud take money for carying the dyin missage for
that swate boy that's dead and gone— God rest
his soul. Och, indade, indade I nivir cud do sich
a mane thing, if I iin a poor woman." The major
seemed satisfied, and told me to wait until he re
turned with a detachment of men.
When he returned with the men, I told him
that I did not feel able to walk that distance, and
requested him to let me have a horse, stating the
fact that I had been sick for several days, and had
slept but little the night before. He did not an
swer a word, but ordered a horse saddled imme
diately, which was led forward by a colored boy,
who assisted me to mount. I really felt mean,
and for the first time since I had acted in the ca
pacity of spy, I despised myself for the very act
RETURN FOR A BODY. 169
which I was about to perform. I must betray the
confidence which that man reposed in me. He
was too generous to harbor a suspicion against
me, and thus furnished me the very means of be-
tray ing him.
This feeling did not last long, however, for as
we started on our mission he said • to his men :
" Now, boys, bring back the body of Captain Hall,
if you have to walk through Yankee blood to the
knees." That speech eased my conscience con
siderably. I was surprised to hear him say u Cap
tain Hall," for I did not know until then that he
was an officer. There was nothing about his uni
form or person to indicate his rank, and I had
supposed he was a private soldier.
We made our way toward the house very cau
tiously, lest we should be surprised by the Fed
erals. I rode at the head of the little band of
rebels as guide, not knowing but that I was lead
ing them into the jaws of death every step we
advanced, and if so it would probably be death
for me as well as for them. Thus we traveled
those five miles, silently, thoughtfully, and stealth
ily. The sun had gone down behind the western
hills, and the deepening shadows were fast gath
ering around us as we came in sight of the little
white cottage in the forest, where I had so recently
spent such a strangely, awfully solemn night.
The little detachment halted to rest, and to
make arrangements before approaching^he house.
170 LOOKOUT FOR YANKEES.
This detachment consisted of twenty-four men,
under a sergeant and a corporal. The men were
divided into squads, each of which was to take
its turn at carrying the body of their late Captain
upon a stretcher, which they had brought for that
purpose. As we drew near, and saw no sign of
an approaching enemy, they regretted that they
had not brought an ambulance ; but I did not re
gret it, for the present arrangement suited
me exactly. Having settled things satisfactorily
among themselves, we again resumed our march
and were soon at the gate. The sergeant then
ordered the corporal to proceed to the house with
a squad of men and bring out the corpse, while he
stationed the remaining men to guard all the ap
proaches to the house.
He then asked me to ride down the road a little
way, and if I should see or hear anything of the
Yankees to ride back as fast as possible and let
them know. I assented, and joyfully complied
with the first part of his request. This was a very
pleasant duty assigned me, for which I mentally
thanked the sergeant a thousand times. I turned
and rode slowly down the road, but not " seeing
or hearing anything of the Yankees," I thought it
best to keep on in that direction until I did. I
was like the zouave, after the battle of Bull Run,
who said he was ordered to retreat, but not being
ordered to halt at any particular place, he pre
ferred to Keep on until he reached New York. So
NEW ORDERS. 171
I preferred to keep on until I reached the Chicka
hominy, where I reported progress to the Federal
general.
I had no desire to have that little escort cap
tured, and consequently said nothing about it in
my report ; so the sergeant, with his men, were
permitted to return to the rebel camp unmolested,
bearing with them the remains of their beloved
captain. After getting out of sight of the rebel
guards, I made that horse go over the, ground
about as fast, I think, as he ever did before —
which seemed to give him a bad impression of
Yankees in general, and of me in particular, for
ever after that night, it was as much as a person's
life was worth to saddle him ; at every attempt he
would kick and bite most savagely.
The next day the following order was issued :
"Upon advancing beyond the Chickahominy the
troops will go prepared for battle at a moment's
notice, and will be entirely unencumbered, with
the exception of ambulances. All vehicles will
be left on the eastern side of the Chickahominy,
and carefully packed.
u The men will leave their knapsacks, packed,
with the wagons, and will carry three days rations.
The arms will be put in perfect order before the
troops march, and a careful inspection made of
them, as well as of the cartridge-boxes, which in
all cases will contain at least forty rounds ; twenty
additional rounds will be carried by the men in
172 DISCIPLINE.
their pockets. Commanders of batteries will see
that their limber and caisson-boxes are filled to
their utmost capacity.
"Commanders of Army Corps will devote their
personal attention to the fulfillment of these orders,
and will personally see that the proper arrange
ments are made for packing and properly guard
ing the trains and surplus baggage, taking all the
steps necessary to insure their being brought
promptly to the front when needed ; they will
also take steps to prevent the ambulances from
interfering with the movements of any troops.
Sufficient guards and staff-officers will be detailed
to carry out these orders. The ammunition-wag
ons will be in readiness to march to their respec
tive brigades and batteries at a moment's warning,
but will not cross the Chickahominy until they are
sent for. All quarter- masters and ordnance offi
cers are to remain with their trains.
"In the approaching battle the general com
manding trusts that the troops will preserve the
discipline which he has been so anxious to enforce,
and which they have so generally observed. He
calls upon all the officers and soldiers to obey
promptly and intelligently all the orders they may
receive ; let them bear in mind that the Army of
the Potomac has never yet been checked, and let
them preserve in battle perfect coolness and con
fidence, the sure forerunners of success. They
must keep well together, throw away no shots,
PORTER'S SUCCESSES. 173
but aim carefully and low, and, above all things,
rely upon the bayonet. Commanders of regiments
are reminded of the great responsibility that rests
upon them ; upon their coolness, judgment and
discretion, the destinies of their regiments and
success of the day will depend."
CHAPTER XIII.
OUR COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE CHICK
SUCCESSES DESPATCHES TO THE PRESIDENT HIS REPLY
HANOVER COURT HOUSE TERRIBLE STORM AND FLOOD
HOPES OF THE ENEMY A SJDDEN AND STRONG ATTACK
I ACT AS AN ORDERLY THROUGH THE FLOOD MY RETURN
AND REPORT JOYFUL NEWS MY OWN DISASTER SCENES
IN THE OLD MILL WAITING ON THE WOUNDED MY SUFFER
INGS BY THE ROADSIDE A HARD-HEARTED CHAPLAIN A
STUMBLING BLOCK.
FOR several days the enemy had been concen
trating a large force on the right flank of the
Federals, with the intention of cutting off their
communications with the river. A portion of
Fitz John Porter's corps was detailed to dispose of
this force, and also to cut the Virginia Central,
Richmond and Fredericksburg railroads. The
communication was cut off, and after two severe
engagements the enemy retreated, leaving behind
them several hundred prisoners, their cannon and
camp equipage. On the same day the following
174 DESPATCHES TO THE PRESIDENT.
despatch was sent to the Secretary of War by the
commanding general:
"Camp near New Bridge, May 28th. Porter
has gained two complete victories over superior
forces ; yet I feel obliged to ritove in the morning
with reinforcements to secure the complete de
struction of the rebels in that quarter. In doing so
I run some risk here, but cannot help it. The
enemy are even in greater force than I had sup
posed. I will do all that quick movements can
accomplish, but you must send me all the troops
you can, and leave me to full latitude as to choice
of commanders. It is absolutely necessary to de
stroy the rebels near Hanover Court House before
I can advance."
To which the President replied: "I am very
glad of General Porter's victory. Still, if it was a
total rout of the enemy, I am puzzled to know why
the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad was
not seized again, as you say you have all the rail
roads but the Richmond and Fredericksburg. I
am painfully impressed with the importance of the
struggle before you, and shall aid you all I can
consistently with my view of due regard to other
points.'*
Two days later McClellan telegraphs again:
" From the tone of your despatches I do not think
that you appreciate the value and magnitude of
Porter's victory. It has entirely relieved my right
flank, which was seriously threatened, it has routed
STORM AND FLOOD. 175
and demoralized a considerable portion of the re
bel forces, taken over seven hundred and fifty
prisoners, killed and wounded large numbers ;
one gun, many small arms, and much baggage
taken. It was one of the handsomest things in
the war, both in itself and in its results. Porter
has returned, and my army is again well in hand.
Another day will make the probable field of battle
passable for artillery. It is quite certain that there
is nothing in front of McDowell at Fredericksburg.
I regard the burning of South Anne bridge as the
least important result of Porter's movement."
The battle of Hanover Court House was cer
tainly a splendid affair, and a very important vic
tory to the Army of the Potomac. Three days
after this battle, while the army was divided by
the river, a portion of the troops having crossed
over the day before, a most fearful storm swept
over the Peninsula, accompanied with terrible ex
hibitions of lightning and explosions of thunder.
The water came down all night and all day in per
fect floods, completely inundating the valley
through which the Chickahominy flows, turning
the narrow stream into a broad river, converting
the swamps into lakes, and carrying away one
bridge and rendering the other unsafe. And still
the rain came pouring down in torrents, reminding
one of that crisis in the world's history when " the
fountains of the great deep were broken up, and
the windows of heaven were opened." Had it not
176 A SUDDEN ATTACK.
been for McClellan's faith in the bible and in God's
covenant with Noah, he would no doubt have se
riously contemplated building an ark, in order to
save himself and his army from destruction. The
rebels seemed to think this flood was sent as a
judgment from the Almighty upon their hated
enemies, and was a direct interposition of Provi
dence in their behalf, which would enable them to
visit wholesale destruction upon the Yankees.
On the thirtieth of May the enemy, taking ad
vantage of this terrible state of things caused by
the disastrous storm, came rushing down upon
our troops in immense force. A battle opened at
about one o'clock in the afternoon, and after three
hours' desperate fighting, General Casey's division,
occupying the first line, was compelled to fall
back in considerable disorder upon the second
line, causing temporary confusion ; but the rapid
advance of Generals Heintzelman and Kearney
with their divisions soon checked the rebels. Sum-
ner, Sedgwick, Couch, Keyes and the other com
manders also labored valiantly to retrieve the in
jury effected by the unfortunate retirement of Ca
sey's command.
The enemy, led by Hill and Longstreet, ad
vanced in massive columns, with threefold lines,
and came boldly on like an overwhelming wave, as
if determined to crush all opposition by the sudden
ness and fierceness of the attack. Total annihila
tion seemed to be their motto, and the determined
ACTING ORDERLY. 177
and reckless daring of the fierce and bloodthirsty
rebels in such overpowering numbers carried con
viction to many loyal hearts that they would suc
ceed in driving that devoted fragment of an army
into the Chickahominy, before it would be possi
ble for reinforcements to arrive.
At this time I was in military uniform, mounted
upon my rebel horse, and was acting orderly for
General K. Several aides and orderlies had been
sent with messages and despatches, but no rein
forcement had yet arrived, and, taking a Federal
view of it, the picture presented a gloomy appear
ance. General K. reined in his horse abruptly,
and taking from his pocket an envelope, he hastily
wrote on the back of it with a pencil — uln the
name of God bring your command to our relief, if
you have to swim in order to get here — or we are
lost." Handing it to me he said— " Go just as
fast as that horse can carry you to General G., pre
sent this with my compliments, return immediate
ly, and report to me."
I put poor little "Reb"over the road at the
very top of his speed until he was nearly white
with foam, then plunged him into the Chickahom
iny and swam him across the river. I met General
G. about a hundred rods from the river making
the best of his way toward the bridge. Engineers
were at once set to work strengthening the crazy
structure, which was swaying to and fro with the
rushing tide. The eager, excited troops dashed
178 JOYFUL NEWS.
into the water waist deep, and getting upon the
floating planks went pouring over in massive col
umns. I preferred to swim my horse back again
rather than risk myself upon such a bridge, for I
looked every moment to see it give way and en
gulf the whole division in the turbid waters of the
swollen creek. However, all reached the other
side in safety, and started along the flooded road
on the double quick. This was cheering news to
carry back to General K., so I started again for
the field in order to claim the reward of u him who
bringeth good tidings."
I found General K. in the thickest of the fight,
encouraging his men and shouting his orders dis
tinctly above the roar and din of battle. Riding
up to him and touching my hat, I reported — " Just
returned, sir. General G., with his command, will
be here immediately." It was too good to keep
to himself, so he turned to his men and shouted at
the top of his voice — u Reinforcements ! reinforce
ments ! " then swinging his hat in the air he per
fectly electrified the whole line as far as his voice
could reach, and the glorious word "reinforce
ments" was passed along until that almost ex
hausted line was reanimated and inspired with new
hope.
While I was thus watching with delight the ef
fects of this joyful news upon the soldiers, my at
tention was directed to another object. General
H., who had made himself conspicuous by his gal-
ORDERLY.— Page 118.
MY OWN DISASTER. 179
lant conduct, was struck by a ball which shattered
his arm badly. He was only a few rods from me,
and there was none near to help him. I asked
General K. if I might go to him, and after obtain
ing permission I rode up to him, leaped from my
horse, and hitched him near by. I then removed
the clothing from his arm, gave him some water,
poured some on the wound, and went to my sad
dle-bags to get some bandages, when my rebel
pony laid hold of my arm with his teeth and al
most tore the flesh from the bone. Not content
with that, he turned his heels in an instant and
kicked with both feet, sending me about a rod.
My arm was now almost as bad as General H.'s,
and I could do but little to help him, for in ten
minutes it was swollen terribly, and I could not
raise it to my head ; finally I was ordered back to
an old saw-mill about a mile and a half from the
field, where were considerable quantities of quar-
termasters' and commissary stores, with orders to
have them removed further to the rear ; and all
who were able to come to the front, together with
the surgeon and a portion of the hospital corps
who had been left there in charge of the sick,
were to lose no time in reporting themselves for
duty on the field.
Upon arriving at the old saw-mill I found it
crowded with wounded men who had crawled
there from the battle-field, to have their wounds
dressed if possible, and if not to lie down and suf-
180 IN THE OLD MILL.
fer where the shot and shell could not reach them.
I delivered my orders. In a few moments more
there was not a soul left to minister to those poor
fellows who were huddled together in that mill by
the score ; all had gone to the front, and I was
left there in a sad plight.
I put my vicious little " Reb " in a building near
the mill, where there was plenty of hay and corn,
but did not dare to unsaddle him. I then exam
ined the extent of the injury done to my arm, and
found it was worse than I had supposed. It was
badly mangled by the horse's teeth, and in one
place a large piece of flesh was torn from the arm
and hung by small shreds. But the arm was not
the worst ; he had kicked me in the side, which
had lamed and bruised me sadly. Yet this was
no time to groan over a slight kick from a horse,
when so many lay around me with shattered limbs
and ghastly saber wounds, some of them even now
in the very agonies of death. So, resolutely say
ing to pain and lameness, " Stay thou here while
I go yonder," I bound up my arm in a sling, and
set about removing the blood-clotted clothing from
the wounds of those who needed it most; but
having neither knife or scissors, I was obliged in
many instances to use my teeth in order to tear
the thick woolen garments stiffened and saturated
with blood, the very remembrance of which now
makes me feel rather uncomfortable in the gastric
region ; but then there was no unpleasant sensation.
WAITING ON THE WOUNDED. 181
The next thing to be thought of was, how I
could procure some bandages ; but as to getting
them from the saddle-bags, I would as soon have
thought of bearding a lion in his den, as of tempt
ing the jaws of that ferocious animal again. How
ever, there were two houses within a mile, and I
decided to try my fortune in that direction. First
of all I went among the sick, who were left there
by the surgeon, and inquired if there were any
who were able to assist me in dressing wounds.
Yes, I found two ; one a little mail-carrier, and
the other a commissary sergeant, both of whom
were scarcely able to stand alone. These two I
set to work pouring cold water upon the wounded
limbs occasionally, and giving the men waiter to
drink until I returned.
At the first house I went to they would not let
me in at all, but raised the window and wished
to know what was wanted. I told them, anything
that would admit of tearing up for bandages. No,
they had nothing of the kind, and closed the win
dow again. I limped along to the next house.
A man came to the door, holding it, to prevent
my attempting to get in. The same question was
asked, and a similar answer returned. By this
time my patience and strength were both exhaust,
ed, and my mind was made up with regard to the
course I should pursue. Therefore, drawing both
my pistols from my belt, I demanded some cotton,
new or old — sheets, pillow-cases, or any other
182 MY SUFFERINGS.
article which would answer the purpose for ban
dages. The man trembled from head to foot, and
called his wife to know if she could let me have
anything of the sort; yes, she could, if I would
pay her for it ; and of course I was willing to pay
her ; so she brought me an old sheet, a pair of
pillow-cases, and three yards of new factory cotton
cloth, for which she demanded five dollars. Hap
pening to have only three dollars in change, I told
her I thought that would be sufficient ; and so
saying, I left immediately.
I did not know, until I had proceeded some
distance, that the blood was running from my arm
in a perfect stream. In my excitement and de
termination, I had grasped one of my pistols with
the lame hand and started those terrible gashes
bleeding afresh. I grew faint and dizzy, and sat
down by the road-side to gather a little strength
before proceeding further. While I sat there I
saw a horseman coming in the distance, but could
not tell whether it was friend or foe, for it was
growing dark. I waited until he came nearer,
when I was rejoiced to see that it was a chaplain;
not Mr. B., but of course he was a good man,
being a chaplain and a Federal. So I felt that
relief was at hand. But imagine my disappoint
ment and chagrin when he came up and, priest-
like, looked upon me, u and passed by on the other
eide." Well, after all, I did not care so much for
myself, but I thanked heaven that he had come on
X
•
BY THE ROADSIDE. 183
the poor men's account, for he would, no doubt,
do much during the night to relieve their suffer
ings.
Taking courage, I made my way slowly toward
the mill, where I found, on my arrival, the chap
lain dismounted, coat off, and wisp in hand, rub
bing and brushing every speck of mud from his
horse. After performing this important duty, he
then went to the nearest house, ordered supper,
and after partaking of a warm meal, he returned
to the mill. Oh how glad I was that all these
preliminaries were gone through with, for now he
would at once enter upon the care of the wounded,
and my heart ached for those two sick boys, who
were still attending to the wants of such as they
could assist, notwithstanding they required waiting
upon themselves.
The wounded were coming in faster than ever,
and I was busy tearing up the cotton in strips,
and trying to bind up some of the poor mangled
limbs, the little sick sergeant being my right hand
man. I looked around for the chaplain, but he
was no where to be seen. I hobbled out to the
building where I had seen him put his horse, to
see if he had really gone away ; no, he had not
gone. There he lay on the floor, upon which was
a quantity of hay, wrapped up in his blanket, ap
parently unconscious that there was any such thing
as suffering in the world. Oh how I wanted to
go to him, quietly lay my hand on him, and say:
184 BAD CHAPLAINS.
" Chaplain, will you be so kind as to take the saddle
from my horse ; it has been on since early morn,
ng, and I am not able to take it off." Not that I carec)
particularly for having the saddle removed, but
just for sake of having "Reb" bring the chaplain
to his senses, and give him a little shaking up, so
that he might realize that these were war times,
and that consequently it was out of the question
for chaplains in the army, especially in time of
battle, to
Be carried to the skies
On flowery b^ds of ease ;
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas.
But instead of doing so, I sat down and wept
bitter tears of disappointment and sorrow, and
then, with a heavy heart and aching limbs, I re
turned again to the mill.
All that weary night my heart burned with in
dignation, and I seemed endowed with supernat
ural powers of endurance, for when morning came
and found me still at my post, without having
tasted food for twenty-four hours, I felt stronger
and fresher than I had done the day before. My
two young sick friends had been persuaded to lie
down, and were now fast asleep, side by side
with the wounded. But where was the chaplain ?
What had become of him ? He had escaped with
the earliest dawn, without so much as inquiring
whether the men were dead or alive. This was
A STUMBLING BLOCK. 185
the conduct of a man who professed to be a faith
ful follower of Him who went about doing good !
This was a man whom I had reverenced and loved
as a brother in Christ. Oh, what a stumbling-
block that man was to my soul; for weeks and
months Satan took occasion to make this a severe
temptation and trial to me. I was tempted to
judge every Christian by that unholy example,
and to doubt the truth of every Christian experi
ence which I heard related from time to time.
But, thank God, I had the example of my faithful
friend, Mr. B., to counterbalance this, and by God's
grace I was enabled to rise above this temptation.
My doubts were gradually removed, and my faith
in Christians re-established — but I never sufficiently
recovered from my feelings of disgust towards that
particular chaplain, to ever again be able to per
suade myself to listen to a sermon delivered by
him, or to attend any religious meeting at which
he presided. I always looked upon him after
wards, as "one who had stolen the livery of heaven
to serve the devil in ; " a mere whited sepulchre,
and unworthy the sacred name of a minister of
the Gospel.
Oh, may our sympathizing breasts
That generous pleasure know;
Kindly to share in others' joy,
And weep for others' woe.
When poor and 'helpless sons of grief
In deep distress are laid ;
Soft be our hearts their pains to feel,
And swift our hands to aid.
186 THE BATTLE RENEWED.
On wings of love the Saviour flew,
To bless a ruined race ;
"We would, 0 Lord, thy steps pursue,
Thy bright example trace.
CHAPTER XIV.
RENEWAL OF THE BATTLE VICTORY FOR THE FEDERAL ARMS
ADDRESS TO THE ARMY MORE DESPATCHES MY BATTLE TRO
PHY — PONY REB'S PERFORMANCES THE HOSPITAL TREE
TOUCHING SCENES BISHOP SIMPSON THE CROSS AND THE
FLAG AFTER THE BATTLE DELAYS BY STORMS, FLOODS AND
MUD — MC CLELLAN'S CALL FOR MORE MEN — IN READINESS TO
MARCH PROMISED REINFORCEMENTS.
NIGHT brought a cessation of hostilities to the
weary troops, but to neither side a decided
victory or defeat. Both armies bivouaced on
the bloody field, within a few rods of each other.
There they lay waiting for the morning light to
decide the contest. The excitement and din of
battle had ceased ; those brief hours of darkness
proved a sweet respite from the fierce struggle of
the day, and in the holy calm of that midnight
hour, when silence brooded over the blood-washed
plain, many brave soldiers lay down on that gory
field-
The weary to sleep, and the wounded to die.
Sunday, the first of June, dawned beautifully,
a day of hallowed rest and promise to the millions
who rose to their devotions, ere the bell called them
to the house of prayer,but not of rest to the weary,
ADDRESS TO THE ARMY. 187
broken armies the drum-beat called from their
wet and muddy beds to renew the contest. At
a quarter-past seven o'clock the battle again com
menced, and raged fiercely until about noon. Both
armies fought with determination and heroic bra
very until the rebels were compelled to yield, and
victory once more perched upon the banners of
the National troops.
I came on the field about ten o'clock, and re
mained until the close of the battle, but could do
little more than look upon the terrible scene.
General McClellan was on the field when I arrived.
I saw him ride along the entire battle-front, and
if I had not seen him, I could not have long re
mained in ignorance of his presence — for the
cheers from all parts of the Federal lines told as
plainly as words could express that their beloved
commander was with them, amid that desperate
struggle for victory. It was a terrible slaughter — •
more than fifteen thousand lay upon the field. It
was enough to make angels weep, to look down
upon that field of carnage. The dead and wound
ed of the enemy fell into the hands of the Union
ists, which added fearfully to the labors of that
exhausted, battle- worn army.
On the evening of the third of June, General
McClellan issued the following address to his
troops, which was read on dress parade, and was
received with tremendous cheering :
" Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac ! I have
188 MORE DESPATCHES.
fulfilled at least a part of my promise to you. You
are now face to face with the rebels, who are held
at bay in front of their capital. The final and
decisive battle is at hand. Unless you belie your
past history, the result cannot be for a moment
doubtful. If the troops who labored so faithfully
at Yorktown, and fought so bravely, and won the
hard fights at Williamsburg, West Point, Hanover
Court-house and Fair Oaks, now prove themselves
worthy of their antecedents, the victory is surely
ours. The events of every day prove your supe
riority ; wherever you have met the enemy, you
have beaten him ; wherever you have used the
bayonet, he has given way in panic and disorder.
UI ask of you, now, one last crowning effort.
The enemy has staked his all on the issue of the
coming battle. Let us meet him, crush him here,
in the very centre of the rebellion. Soldiers ! I
will be with you in this battle, and share its dan
gers with you. Our confidence in each other is
now founded upon the past. Let us strike the
blow which is to restore peace and union to this
distracted land. Upon your valor, discipline and
mutual confidence, the result depends."
Every battle fought on the Peninsula fearfully
reduced the strength of the Army of the Potomac,
and proved to a demonstration that the enemy far
outnumbered the Union forces. Still there were
no reinforcements, notwithstanding McClellan's
daily urgent despatches to the President and Sec-
MY BATTLE TROPHY. 189
retary of War, and the great impending battle in
front of the rebel Capital so near at hand.
r The next day McClellan sent another despatch,
as follows:
"Please inform me at once what reinforements,
if any, I can count upon having at Fortress Mon
roe or White House, within the next three days,
and when each regiment may be expected to ar
rive. It is of the utmost importance that I should
know this immediately. The losses in the battle
of the thirty-first and first will amount \to seven
thousand. Eegard this as confidential for the pres
ent. After the losses in our last battle, I trust
that I shall no longer be regarded as an alarmist.
I believe we have at least one more desperate bat
tle to fight."
The day after the battle of Fair Oaks, a splendid
sword was presented to me. It had been struck
from the hand of a rebel colonel, while in the act
of raising it to strike one of our officers after he
had fallen from his horse. Oh, how proud I felt
of that beautiful silver-mounted trophy, from the
bloody field of Fair Oaks, which had so recently
been wielded by a powerful arm, but powerless
now, for he lay in the agonies of death, while his
splendid sword had passed into my feeble hands.
I presume if he had known this, it would have
added another pang to his already agonized spirit.
The sword was presented by General K, to whom
I gave my rebel pony, with the comforting assur*
190 REB'S PERFORMANCES.
ance that lie was only intended for ornament, and
not for use ; for generals were too scarce on the
Peninsula to risk their precious lives by coming in
contact with him. The General was delighted
with him, and without paying the slightest atten
tion to my suggestion deliberately walked up to
the pony and commenced patting him and hand
ling his limbs as if he were the most quiet creature
in the world, while "Reb" stood eyeing his new
master with apparent satisfaction, and seemed to
rejoice that he had passed from my insignificant
hands, and was henceforth to be the honored
bearer of shoulder-straps. After thoroughly ex
amining him he said : " He is certainly a splendid
horse, and worth three hundred dollars of any
man's money ; all he requires is kind treatment,
and he will be as gentle as any one could desire."
But " Reb " very soon gave him to understand
decidedly that he was overrating his good quali
ties ; for no sooner had the General turned his
back toward him than he struck him between the
shoulders with both hind feet, sending him his full
length upon the ground ; and as soon as hje at
tempted to rise he repeated the same performance
until he had knocked him down four or five times
in succession. By that time the General was pretty
thoroughly convinced that " Reb's" social qualities
were somewhat deficient, his bump of combative-
ness largely developed, and his gymnastics quite
impressive.
THE HOSPITAL TREE. 191
On the evening of the same day in which the
victory was won I visited what was then, and is
still called, the "hospital tree," near Fair Oaks.
It was an immense tree under whose shady, ex
tended branches the wounded were carried and
laid down to await the stimulant, the opiate, or
the amputating knife, as the case might require.
The ground around that tree for several acres in
extent was literally drenched with human blood,
and the men were laid so close together that there
was no such thing as passing between them ; but
each one was removed in their turn as the sur
geons could attend to them. I witnessed there
some of the most heart-rending sights it is possible
for the human mind to conceive. Head what a
Massachusetts chaplain writes concerning it :
" There is a large tree near the battle-ground of
Fair Oaks, the top of which was used as an obser
vatory during the fight, which stands as a memento
of untold, and perhaps never to be told, suffering
and sorrow. Many of the wounded and dying
were laid beneath its branches after the battle, in
order to receive surgical help, or to breathe their
last more quietly. What heart-rending scenes did
I witness in that place, so full of saddened memo
ries to me and to others. Brave, uncomplaining
men were brought thither out of the woodland,
the crimson tide of whose life was ebbing away in
the arms of those who carried them. Almost all
who died met death like heroes, with scarcely a
192 TOUCHING SCENES.
groan. Those wounded, but not mortally — how
nobly they bore the necessary probings and need*
ed amputations ! Two instances of this heroic for
titude deserve to be specially mentioned. One of
them is that of William C. Bentley, of the Second
Hhode Island regiment, both of whose legs were
broken by a bomb-shell, whose wrist and breast
were mangled, and who yet was as calm as if he
suffered no pain. He refused any opiate or stim
ulant that might dim his consciousness. He asked
only that we should pray for him, that he might
be patient and submissive, and dictated a letter to
be sent to his mother. Then, and not till then,
opiates were given him, and he fell gently asleep,
and for the last time.
" The other case was that of Francis Sweetzer,
of Company E, of the Sixteenth Massachusetts Reg
iment, who witnessed in death, as he had uniform
ly done in life, a good confession of Christ. ' Thank
God,' he said, ' that I am permitted to die for my
country. Thank God more yet that I am pre
pared to die;' and then after a moment's thought
he modestly added, ' at least I hope I am.' When
he died he was in the act of prayer, and in that
position his limbs grew rigid, and so remained
after the spirit had left his body."
Oh, who that has witnessed such triumphant
deaths on the battle-field will presume to doubt
that the spirit of that patriot who falls amid the
terrible clash of arms and the fierce surge of bat-
BISHOP SIMPSON. 193
tie, is prepared to go from that scene of blood and
strife, and to enter into that rest that God has pre
pared for them that love Him? Yes, the noble
men who have gone from under the sheltering
wings of the different evangelical churches through
out the land, have gone in the strength of God,
and with the full assurance that if they should fall
fighting for the God-given rights of humanity,
there, amid the shock of battle, the still, small voice
of Jesus would be heard speaking peace to the
departing soul, and that their triumphant spirits
would go home rejoicing to be forever with the .
Lord! When I see a man first lay himself upon
the altar of God, and then upon the altar of his
country, I have no fear for that man's happiness
in time or in eternity.
Good Bishop Simpson, of the Methodist Episco
pal Church, soon after the outbreak of the great
rebellion^ delivered a sermon on the National cri
sis, at Chicago. It is represented as one of the
ablest efforts of this clergyman, so distinguished
for his power in the pulpit. As it was one of the
anniversaries of the denomination, thousands were
present to hear the discourse. Suddenly, at one
point in the sermon, and as the fitting close of a
most impassioned paragraph, he gave utterance to
the following noble sentiment : " We will take our
glorious flag, the flag of our country, and nail it
just below the cross! That is high enough. There
let it wave as it waved of old. Around it let us
_ Id
194 THE CROSS AND THE FLAG.
gather: first Christ's; then our country's." Oh,
that the sentiments of the following beautiful lines
were the sentiments of every heart in the United
States :
0 Lord of Hosts ! Almighty King !
Behold the sacrifice we bring !
To every arm thy strength impart,
Thy spirit shed through every heart!
Wake in our breasts the living fires,
The holy faith that warmed our sires ;
Thy hand hath made our nation free ;
To die for her is serving Thee.
Be Thou a pillar'd flame to show
The midnight snare, the silent foe ,
And when the battle thunders loud,
Still guide us in its moving cloud.
God of all nations I sovereign Lord !
In thy dread name we draw the sword,
We lift the starry flag on high
That fills with light our stormy sky.
No more its flaming emblems wave
To bar from hope the trembling slave ;
No more its radiant glories shine
To blast with woe one child of Thine I
From treason's rent, from murderer's stain,
Guard Thou its folds till peace shall reign,
Till fort and field, till shore and sea,
Join our loud anthem, Praise to Thee 1
I cannot better describe the state of affairs after
the battle of Fair Oaks than by giving the follow
ing despatch from McClellan, dated June 7th:
" In reply to your despatch of 2 p. m. to-day, I
have the honor to state that the Chickahominy
AFTER THE BATTLE. 195
river has risen so as to flood the entire bottoms to
the depth of three or four feet ; I am pushing for-
ward^the bridges in spite of this, and the men are
working night and day, up to their waists in water,
to complete them. The whole face of the country
is a perfect bog, entirely impassable for artillery,
or even cavalry, except directly in the narrow
roads, which renders any general movement, either
of this or the rebel army, entirely out of the ques
tion until we have more favorable weather. I am
glad to learn that you are pressing forward rein
forcements so vigorously. I shall be in perfect
readiness to move forward and take Richmond the
moment McCall reaches here and the ground will
admit the passage of artillery. I have advanced
my pickets about a mile to-day, driving off the
rebel pickets and securing a very advantageous
position. The rebels have several batteries estab
lished, commanding the debouches from two of
our bridges, and fire upon our working parties
continually ; but as yet they have killed but few
of our men."
Again, June 10th, he says: "I am completely
checked by the weather. The roads and fields are
literally impassable for artillery— almost so for in-
fantry. The Chickahominy is in a dreadful state.
We have another rain storm on our hands. I wish
to be distinctly understood that whenever the
weather permits I will attack with whatever force
I may have, although a larger force would enable
196 DELAYS BY STORMS.
me to gain much more decisive results. I would
be glad to have MeCafl's infantry sent forward by
water at once, without waiting for his artillery and
cavalry."
The next day the Secretary of War replied:
"Your despatch of 3.30 p. m. yesterday has been
received. I am fully impressed with the difficul
ties mentioned, and which no art or skill can
avoid, but only endure. Be assured, General, that
there never has been a moment when my desire
has been otherwise than to aid you with my whole
heart, mind and strength, since the hour we first
met; and whatever others may say for their own
purposes, you never have had, and never can have,
any one more truly your friend, or more anxious
to support you, or more joyful than I shall be at
the success which I have no doubt will soon be
achieved by your arms."
The above despatch has the appearance of the
genuine article — but I am inclined to think it a
clever counterfeit. While McClellan's requests
were cheerfully complied with, as far as promises
were concerned, little was done to strengthen his
weakened forces in view of the coming struggle
with an overwhelming force in front, and the
flooded Chickahominy in the rear. By unreliable
promises he was filled with delusive hopes, and
lead on to more certain destruction — to disaster
and failure, at least.
CHAPTER XY.
LEAVE OP ABSENCE VISIT TO THE WILLIAMSBURG HOSPITALS—
EFFECTIVE PREACHING YORKTOWN REVISITED — LONGINGS — •
WHITE HOUSE LANDING TIRED OF IDLENESS PREPARATIONS
TO RETURN TO DUTY STUART*S CAVALRY RAID A TRAIN
FIRED INTO FAIR OAKS GROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE EN
EMY TRYING TIMES ON THE PENINSULA THE ENDURANCE
OF OUR SOLDIERS LABORS OF MR. ALVORD.
WHILE preparations were going on for the
great battle in front of Richmond, I obtained
leave of absence for a week, and recruited my
shattered health, lame side and arm. Mr. and
Mrs. B. were both gone home on furlough, and
Nellie was at the Williamsburg Hospital. I thought
I should like to visit the different hospitals, while
I was thus riding round from place to place in
search of something of interest. I visited Wil
liamsburg Hospitals, both Union and rebel, and
found many things amusing and interesting.
Nellie was delighted to see me, and told me
much of her experience since the battle of Wil
liamsburg. Her hand was still in a sling, which
reminded me of my first shot at a rebel female.
She was a most faithful nurse, and had endeared
herself to all the boys by her kindness and patience
toward them. She introduced me to several of
198 EFFECTIVE PREACHING.
her favorites, calling each by some pet name, to
which they seemed to answer as a matter of course.
I spent a day and a night there, and attended a
meeting in the evening, which was held by a min
ister from the Christian Commission for the bene
fit of the wounded soldiers. Oh, what a sermon
was that ! The tender mercies of the Father, the
love of the Son of God, were described ; the wail-
ings of the lost and the raptures of the redeemed
were portrayed in the most powerful and touching
manner. I have never heard the sinner invited
to the cross in more persuasive strains than flowed
from his lips.
His countenance was pleasing, his manners cour
teous, and his deportment unassuming. . He did
not preach one of those high-toned, intellectual
discourses which we so often hear, and which al
most invariably fail to reach the heart. But he
preached Christ with such winning simplicity, such
forgetfulness of self, and with such an eager yearn
ing after souls, that even the most depraved were
melted to tears. How soul-refreshing is this sim
ple mode of preaching ! I seem to see him
standing before me now, with uplifted hands,
glowing cheeks and streaming eyes — and though
I have forgotten much of the discourse, yet I can
distinctly remember the impression which it made
upon me then. It was good, humbling, purifying.
He was evidently not a highly educated man, yet
he proclaimed the unsearchable riches of Christ in
YORKTOWN REVISITED. 199
such a way as to make the proudest eloquence and
the most profound philosophy, seem in comparison,
"like sounding brass or tinkling cymbal."
Often, when hearing a certain class of ministers
preach, I am reminded of the saying of a good
Baptist clergyman with regard to A. and B., two
ministers of his own denomination : " When I hear
Brother A. preach, I am in love with the man ;
but when I hear Brother B. preach, I am in love
with Jesus." This is the kind of preaching we
want — that which makes us fall in love with Jesus,
instead of the preacher. Oh, that there were more
of Christ, and less of self, preached.
After leaving Williamsburg, I kept on down the
Peninsula until I came to Yorktown. After visit
ing the hospitals there, I then went to the old
camp where I had spent so many weeks. There
were the dear old familiar places, but all that gave
them interest were gone now. The old saw-mill,
too, was gone, and all that remained was a heap
of ruins, to tell where it once stood. But there
was a spot undisturbed, away in the corner of the
peach orchard, under an isolated pear tree, a
heaped up mound, underneath which rested the
noble form of Lieutenant Y. It was sweet to me
to visit this spot once more. I knew that in all
probability it would be the last time ; at least for
a long period, perhaps forever.
When this frail body shall be done with earth,
And this heart shall be free from care ;
200 TIRED OF IDLENESS.
When my spirit enters that other world,
Oh, say, shall I know thee there ?
"When the last hours of life are closing around
And death's summons coineth to me ;
Will God send an angel messenger down ?
Shall I know the bright spirit as thee ?
Rest weary heart, rest patient and wait,
Till thy happiness cometh to thee ;
Thou' It meet and thou' It know when thou gainest that shore
Which opes to eternity.
From Yorktown I went to the White House
Landing, where everything looked neat, orderly,
peaceful and happy, as a quiet little country vil
lage. The grounds were laid out in broad streets
and squares, which were swept clean as a floor,
and there were long rows of snow-white tents,
with their neatly printed cotton sign-boards, uto
guide the traveler on his way " to the different
head-quarters, provost marshal, hospital, sutlers,
blacksmith, etc.
After spending a day there, and beginning to
feel tired of idleness, I made up my mind to re
turn to camp again. So going to Colonel Ingalls,
I procured transportation for myself and horse,
and stepping aboard of a provision train destined
for Fair Oaks Station, I anticipated a pleasant
ride ; but, as usual, was blessed with quite a little
adventure before I reached my destination. The
train started, and, after steaming over the road
for some time at its usual rate, had reached the
vicinity of Tunstall's Station, when we heard the
FIRED INTO. 201
down train whistle, and immediately after a sharp
volley of musketry was fired in the same direction.
The engineer switched off the track, and awaited
the other train. It came thundering on as if the
engineer was possessed by the sauve qui pent
spirit, and, as it passed, the wildest confusion was
visible on board, and the groans of the wounded
could be heard above the screaming of the engine.
On it went, like a streak of lightning, signaling
for our train to follow.
There was no time to be lost ; our train was
immediately in hot pursuit of the other, and both
were soon at the White House. Among those I
saw taken from the cars wounded, was the spy
whom I had met in the rebel camp in front of
Yorktown, and heard haranguing his fellow coun
tryman upon the important service he had ren
dered the Confederate Government, and confess
ing himself to be the cause of Lieutenant's Y's
death.
Everything was thrown into wild confusion by
the arrival of the trains and the news of the
attack. The troops at the White House were
immediately called out under arms to protect the
depot. All this excitement had been produced
by a detachment of Stuart's cavalry, consisting of
about fifteen hundred men, and which resulted in
the slight disaster to the train ; the burning of
two schooners laden with forage, and fourteen
Government wagons ; the destruction of some
202 STUART'S CAVALRY RAID.
sutler's stores ; the killing of several of the guard
and teamsters ; some damage done to TunstalTs
Station ; and the tearing up of a portion of the rail
road. There was but little damage done to the
train, considering that there were three hundred
passengers. Some military officers of high rank
were on board, who would have been a rich prize
for the rebels if they had succeeded in capturing
the train ; but it had eluded their grasp by the
admirable conduct and presence of mind of the
engineer, who crowded on all possible steam, and
escaped with his freight of human life with only
a loss of fourteen in killed and wounded.
As soon as the wounded were taken care of I
visited the provost marshal, and made known the
fact that there was among the wounded a rebel
spy who required immediate attention. He sent
a guard with me, who searched his person and
found satisfactory proof that my statement was
correct. He was only slightly wounded, and by
the time the railroad was repaired he was able to
bear the fatigue of a journey to headquarters, and
I returned to camp.
On the twenty-fifth of June the battle of Fair
Oaks Grove was fought. Hooker's command had
been ordered to occupy a new and important po
sition, when they were suddenly attacked while
passing through a dense thicket and almost impas
sable swamp. The foe was gradually pushed back
until he was obliged to seek safety behind his
FAIR OAKS GROVE. 203
rifle-pits. About noon General McClellan, who
had remained at headquarters to communicate with
the left wing, rode upon the field and, to the joy
of his soldiers, ordered them again to advance.
The order was cheerfully obeyed, and after re
newed desperate fighting, at sunset the day was
won by the Federal arms.
At this time it was not necessary for me to use
any stratagem in order to visit the rebel encamp
ment, for all that was necessary to be known of
the rebel force and movements had been already
ascertained. Consequently I was quietly awaiting
further developments, and while waiting was try
ing to make myself generally useful in the hospi
tals. A singular case came under my notice there*:
that of a man being stunned by the near approach
of a cannon-ball. It did not come in contact with
even his clothing, and yet he was knocked down
senseless, and for several days he could neither
hear nor speak.
I think the most trying time that the Army of
the Potomac ever had on the Peninsula was in
front of Richmond, just before the seven days7
battle — that is to say, if anything could be worse
than the seven day's battle itself. A heavy and
almost incessant firing was kept up day and night,
along the entire left wing, and the men were kept
in those rifle pits, (to say in water to the knees is
a very moderate estimate), day after day, until
they looked like fit subjects for the hospital or
204 TRYING TIMES.
lunatic asylum, and those troops in camp who
were not supposed to be on duty, but were kept
in reserve, were often called out ten times in one
night. The firing would become so alarmingly
hot that it was supposed a general engagement
was at hand ; but on going out to the front, per
haps it would cease for a moment, then they would
be ordered back to camp again. In that manner
I have known the entire force to be kept in mo
tion almost all night, and sleep for any one was a
thing out of the question.
It soon became evident that there was some
movement on foot which was not understood by
the great mass of the army, and I have no doubt
it was a good thing that the troops did not even
imagine that a retreat was already being planned
by their commander. The men endured all these
hardships most uncomplainingly ; yes, cheerfully ;
and every day was supposed to be the last ere
they would walk the streets of Richmond trium
phantly, and thus reap the fruits of their summer's
campaign.
The constant fire kept up along the entire line,
and the frequent charges made upon rifle-pits, rap
idly increased the numbers in the hospital, and
kept the surgeons and nurses busy night and day,
and then they could not attend to all who required
assistance. Just at this particular juncture I re
member the timely aid afforded by the members
of the Christian Commission and Tract Society.
CHRISTIAN COMMISSION. 205
They brought relief not only in one sense, but in
many. Spiritual food for the hungry, dying sol
dier — consolation for the worn out and discour
aged — delicacies for the sick and feeble — warm-
gushing heart sympathy for the suffering, and
actual assistance with their own hands in cases of
amputations, and the removal of the sick from
one place to another. Rev. Mr. Alvord gives a
very modest account of the services which he ren
dered, when he says: u I went to the hospitals,
where I worked hour after hour with the sur
geons. Men were brought in with all sorts of
wounds. Surgeons were scarce and were engaged
in amputations, so you know I could attend to mi
nor matters. Where the bullet had gone through
body or limb, I could dress it perhaps as well as
any one ; also, all sorts of flesh wounds. I cannot
tell you of the variety of operations I performed.
The wounds had been stiffening since the day be
fore, not having been dressed. I enjoyed the
work, as in every case such relief was given.
Then I could carry water to the thirsty, and speak
words of comfort to the dying ; for, as you may
suppose, there were many in this state."
Again he says: u Just now, by my side, lies a
Philadelphia zouave, a fine boy to whom I have
been ministering. I gave him some hot tea, with
the charming crackers Mr. Broughton sent ; he is
now sitting up, looking more cheerful. I mention
this in detail, that you may have a specimen of
206 MR. ALVORD'S LABORS.
the work which occupies one every moment
through the day and night, who is able or willing
to work in this department. On the other side
of me, as I write here on my knees, lies a colored
boy, haggard and sick, to whom I have given
medicine and similar food. His dark face is full
of gratitude."
Many an hour I have worked and watched in
hospitals by the side of Mr. Alvord, and marked
his cheerful Christian spirit and warm sympathies
for the sufferers. And often, on a march, I have
gone to him, and asked if he would let some weary
sick soldier ride in his carriage, who had fallen
out by the way — and my request was never re
fused, although to do so he would sometimes have
to walk through the mud himself, his horse being
frequently heavily loaded. I have also distributed
publications for him, and have stood by the cot of
many a dying soldier where he has ministered
consolation to the departing spirit. He is one of
those who will have many stars in his crown of
rejoicing when eternity unfolds the results of his
faithful labors.
CHAPTER XVI.
CHANGE OF BASE ACROSS THE PENINSULA - EVACUATION OP
WHITE HOUSE — THE MOVEMENT - BATTLE OF MECHANICS-
VILLE - GAINES' MILL — A REPULSE — MC CLELLAN's DESPATCH -
HOSPITALS IN DANGER - CONVALESCENT OFFICERS - LENDING
MY HORSE - A LOTTERY - INSPECTING FARM STOCK - CATCHING
A COLT - DANGER OF CAPTURE - RIDING FOR LIFE — BETWEEN
' TWO FIRES.
employment of General McDowell's force
in the defense of Washington, and its failure
to co-operate by land with McClellan, necessitated
on the part of the Army of the Potomac an imme
diate change of base across the Peninsula. Such
a change in the face of a powerful enemy is con
sidered one of the most hazardous undertakings
in war. But McClellan had no doubt of the ability
of his army to fight its way, even against superior
numbers, through to the James River, and thus
secure a new position for an advance against Rich
mond.
The entire energy of the army was now directed
to this object. A despatch was sent by General
Van Vliet, chief quartermaster of the Army of the
Potomac, to Colonel Ingalls, quartermaster at
White House, as follows :
uRun the cars to the last moment, and load
them with provision and ammunition. Load every
208 CHANGE OF BASE.
wagon you have with subsistence, and send them
to Savage's Station, by way of Bottom's Bridge.
If you are obliged to abandon White House, burn
everything that you cannot get off. You must
throw all our supplies up the James River as soon
as possible, and accompany them yourself with all
your force. It will be of vast importance to es
tablish our depots on James River, without delay,
if we abandon White House. I will keep you
advised of every movement so long as the wires
work ; after that you must exercise your own
judgment."
All these commands were obeyed. So excel
lent were the dispositions of the different officers
in command of the troops, depots and gunboats,
and so thorough was the warning of the approach
of the enemy, that almost everything was saved,
and but a small amount of stores was destroyed to
prevent them from falling into the hands of the
enemy. General Stoneman's communications with
the main army being cut off, he fell back upon
White House Station, thence to Yorktown, when
White House was evacuated.
On the twenty -sixth instant orders were sent to
all the corps commanders on the right bank of the
Chickahominy to be prepared to send as many
troops as they could spare on the following day
to the left bank of the river. General Franklin
received instructions to hold General Slocum's di
vision in readiness by daybreak on the twenty-sev-
BATTLE OF MECH ANICSVILLE. 209
enth, and if heavy firing should at that time be
heard in the direction of General Porter, to move
at once to his assistance without further orders.
At noon, on the twenty-sixth, the approach of the
enemy, who had crossed above Meadow Bridge,
was discovered by the advanced pickets at that
point, and at half-past twelve in the afternoon they
were attacked and driven in. All the pickets
were now called in, and the regiment and battery
at Mechanics ville were withdrawn.
About three o'clock in the afternoon the enemy
formed his line of battle, and came down upon our
troops like a torrent — attacking the entire line.
McClellan, anticipating a fierce onset, was prepared
for such an event, and gave him a warm reception.
Our artillery occupied positions commanding all
the roads and open ground. Timber had been
felled, rifle-pits dug, and the infantry were under
cover of the thick woods. All remained quiet
until the rebel mass came rushing on — yelling as
they came — within a short distance of our line,
when every battery and division opened simulta-
neoijsly a most destructive fire, which drove the
enemy back with tremendous slaughter. Several
other attacks were made on our lines during the
afternoon, which proved disastrous to the enemy.
At nine o'clock in the evening the firing ceased>
the action having lasted six hours.
During the night the heavy siege guns and wag
ons were removed to the right bank of the Chicka-
14
210 GAINES' MILL.
hominy, and most of the troops withdrawn, un
known to the enemy. About noon the next clay
another general engagement came on, and after
seven hours hard fighting the left flank of the Fed
eral line was turned, and they were driven from
their position.
General McClellan says : " About seven o'clock
in the evening they threw fresh troops against
General Porter with still greater fury, and finally
gained the woods held by our left. This reverse,
aided by the confusion that followed an unsuccess
ful charge by five companies of the Fifth Cavalry,
and followed as it was by more determined assaults
on the remainder of our lines, now outflanked,
caused a general retreat from our position to the
hill in rear overlooking the bridge. French's and
Meagher's brigades now appeared, driving before
them the stragglers who were thronging toward
the bridge. These brigades advanced boldly to
the front, and by their example, as well as by the
steadiness of their bearing, reanimated our troops
and warned the enemy that reinforcements had
arrived. It was now dusk. The enemy, already
repulsed several times with terrible slaughter, and
hearing the shouts of the fresh troops, failed to
follow up their advantage. This gave an oppor
tunity to rally our men behind the brigades of
Generals French and Meagher, and they again ad
vanced up the hill, ready to repulse another attack.
During the night our thinned and exhausted regi-
MCCLELLAN'S DESPATCH. 211
ments were all withdrawn in safety, and by the
following morning all had reached the other side
of the stream."
A despatch from General McClellan to Secre
tary Stanton, on the twenty-eighth, tells a sad
story, a part of which I quote :
" Had I twenty thousand, or even ten thousand
fresh troops to use to-morrow, I could take Rich
mond ; but I have not a man in reserve, and shall
be glad to cover my retreat, and save the material
and personnel of the army. If we have lost the
day, we have yet preserved our honor, and no one
need blush for the Army of the Potomac. I have
lost this battle because my force was too small.
I again repeat that I am not responsible for this,
and I say it with the earnestness of a General who
feels in his heart the loss of every brave man who
has been needlessly sacrificed to-day.
" In addition to what I have already said, I
only wish to say to the President that I think he
is wrong in regarding me as ungenerous, when I
said that my force was too weak. I merely inti
mated a truth which to-day has been too plainly
proved. If, at this instant, I could dispose of ten
thousand fresh men, I could gain the victory to
morrow. I know that a few 'thousand more men
would have changed this defeat to a victory. As
it is, the Government must not and cannot hold
me responsible for the result.
u I feel too earnestly to-night. I have seen too
212 HOSPITALS IN DANGER.
many dead and wounded comrades to feel other
wise than that the Government has not sustained
this army. If you do not do so now, the game is
lost. If I save this army now, I tell you plainly
that I owe no thanks to you, or to any other per
sons in Washington. You have done your best
to sacrifice this army."
While the battle of Games' Mill was in progress,
I was despatched to several hospitals remote from
the direct line of communication, with orders to
the surgeons, nurses, and such of the patients as
could walk, to take care of themselves as best they
could, for no ambulances could reach them ; that
the army was retreating to the James River, and
if they remained longer they would fall into the
hands of the enemy.
At one of the hospitals, about eight miles dis
tant, I found a captain and three lieutenants with
whom I was acquainted. They were just recov
ering from fever and unable to endure much fa
tigue, but could probably reach the James River
if they should try. I was beset on every side to
give up my horse to one and to another of them
until I knew not what to say or do. I did not
feel unwilling to give my horse to assist them in
escaping from the rebels, and walk all the way
myself, but I knew I was expected to return im
mediately and report to the officer in command of
the ambulance corps, and undoubtedly would be
required to perform other missions during the
CONVALESCENT OFFICERS. 213
day. But all such excuses as these were thrown
into the shade by the powerful oratory of the con
valescent captain, who poured forth a vehement
torrent of overwhelming arguments which would
have made a less experienced messenger believe
that the horse was for the captain individually, had
been sent for his especial benefit, and was conse
quently entirely at his disposal.
His eloquence had not quite this effect upon me,
notwithstanding I decided to give up my horse
and to take the consequences. I did not feel so
particularly drawn toward Captain A. as to let
him have the horse entirely to himself, and to
leave the other three poor fellows to live or die.
Upon coming to the conclusion, after mature de
liberation, to part with my faithful horse, the same
one I rode on the Bull Run battle-field, I informed
those officers of my intention. But, said I, not for
the benefit of any one of you in particular, but for
the mutual benefit of all four ; then I proceeded
to make arrangements that two of them should
ride alternately, and not faster than the other two
could walk. Then I took two slips of paper and
told them to cast lots to see who should ride first.
After they had drawn the lots to settle this mat
ter, and the poor captain was doomed to foot it
the first part of the journey, and I saw that he
looked rather maliciously at me, as much as to say
that I had assisted fate in deciding that he should
walk instead of ride, the thought struck me that
214 MY LOTTERY.
there would probably be some trouble when it
came his turn to ride. So I delivered the fol
lowing brief lecture, which was especially intend
ed for his ear: "Gentlemen, you are aware that
by giving you my horse I am running the risk of
incurring Major N.'s displeasure, and am exposing
myself to the very danger from which I am assist
ing you to escape. Now, in return, I make one re
quest of you, that is that you all do as you have
agreed to; don't play false one with the other.
Those who ride are not to go faster than the others
can walk, and you are to ride equal distances as
near as you may be able to judge, unless other
wise arranged among yourselves. The horse you
are to have taken care of when you arrive at your
destination. I trust these matters to your honor,
but if honor should forget to assert its rights, the
case will be reported at headquarters.'7
There were several others in the same hospital,
but some were unconscious of the state of affairs
around them ; others were conscious, but unable
to help themselves in the least. One of the noble
hearted nurses refused to leave those helpless men,
whom he had taken care of so long, and was taken
prisoner. I marked that noble boy's countenance,
dress and general appearance, and by making in
quiry afterwards I found out that his name was J.
Robbins, of the Second Michigan Regiment, and
after he had undergone .the hardships of imprison
ment and had been exchanged, I had the honor
INSPECTING FARM STOCK. 215
of meeting and congratulating him, I felt that it
was a greater honor than to converse with many
of our major generals.
As I turned to retrace my steps I began to
think over the lottery busines, and wondered if I
had not introduced a species of gambling into my
charitable deed. I did not feel clear on this point
until I thought of reading in the Bible something
about casting lots. Yes, it must be right, for
there were instances of it in the Bible. I tried to
remember an instance to find out in what connec
tion I had read it, but my mind was quite con
fused, and it required some time to recall one of
those passages. After a while, however, I thought
of the one where the Roman soldiers cast lots for
the vestments of the Saviour, but this text did not
bring much comfort to my mind; I was somehow
reminded of the woman who had named her child
Beelzebub because it was a Scripture name, and I
concluded to leave the further discussion of the
subject until a more convenient season.
I remembered now of having noticed a farm
house when I came that way in the morning^
around which were a number of horses, mules, or
something of that sort, and I thought it would be
well to investigate the matter. Moving along in
that direction as fast as possible, I soon came to
the house and saw the animals there, feeding as
before. Whatever I intended to do must be done
quickly, for the near approach of the cannonading
216 CATCHING A COLT.
warned me that the army was fast retreating and
I would soon be cut off from the James river road.
I went at once to examine the stock on the farm
for the purpose of ascertaining whether there was
anything worth appropriating.
There were four splendid mules and a colt, but
whether the colt was a two year old or ten I could
not tell, for it was very small and very handsome,
looking much like an Indian pony, and it might
be a dozen years old. But the all absorbing ques
tions in my mind were how was I going to se
cure this colt, and if I should catch him what was
I going to do with him, having neither saddle nor
bridle? I went to the barn, looked around and
found an old halter that, for want of something
better, would be of service. Now was the time
to catch the colt, but this was easier said than
done, for upon going towards it I found that it
was about as wild as a young buffalo. Not dis
couraged, however, I started it, together with the
mules, in the direction of the barn, and opened a
door leading into a long shed connected with the
barn. This plan succeeded admirably, for they all
ran into the shed without the least trouble. But
the greatest difficulty was to put the halter on the
colt and get on his back ; however, I at length
succeed, and, mounting it, started toward James
river. /
The enemy had by this time succeeded in driv
ing the Federals from their first position, and
RIDING FOR LIFE. 217
were now between them and me. Turning off
from the main road, I struck out into the woods
and rode as fast as possible. The woods were
open and clear so that I could see a long way
ahead. On I went until I came near a little
thicket so dense that I could not see anything be
yond its border. Not daring to go into any place
which looked suspicious, I turned to go round it,
when my ear caught the click, click of a dozen
rifles, and a shower of Minnie balls came round
me thick as hailstones, but not one of them pierced
even my clothing. My colt took fright at this unex
pected salute, and plunged into the woods in an
other direction with the speed of lightning.
I soon came to an open field and saw in the dis
tance a large number of soldiers. One glance
convinced me that they were Federals, for they
wore United States uniform. Bounding over the
field in an instant I had 'come within a hundred
yards of them before I noticed that they were
prisoners, guarded by a band of rebels. The first
thing that caused me to discover this fact was one
of the prisoners waving his hand for me to go in.
another direction, upon seeing which one of the
rebel guards sprang forward and struck the pris
oner with the butt of his musket.
This little demonstration revealed to me at once
my position, and turning I fled in the direction
indicated by the prisoner, when another volley
followed me which proved as harmless as the first.
218 BETWEEN TWO FIRES.
I began now to think that I was about as safe in
side the rebel lines as anywhere, for their bullets
seemed quite harmless so far as I was personally
concerned. I remenrbered that when I was a
child, I heard my mother once tell a Scotch Pres
byterian clergyman she was afraid I would meet
with some violent death, for I was always in some
unheard of mischief, such as riding the wildest colt
on the farm, firing off my father's shot-gun, and
climbing to the highest point of the buildings. To
which the good old predestinarian replied : "Ah
weel, my guid woman, dinna fret; it is an auld
raying, an' I believe a true one, 'A wean that's
born to be hung 'ill ne'er be droon'd.' ' Then
turning to me and laying his hand on my head, he
said : u But, me wee lassie, ye mauna tempt Prov
idence wi' your madcap antics, or ye may no live
oot half your days." I did not know after all but
that the fates were reserving me for a more ex
ulted death on the scaffold at Kichmond — for the
old minister's words would occasionally ring in
my ears: "If the wean is born to be hung it will
ne'er be droon'd" — and, I added, or be shot
either. I was now outside of the rebel lines, but
I was just between two fires, and tremendous hot
ones 'at that, for the whole lines were a perfect
blaze both of musketry and artillery. Nothing
but the power of the Almighty could have shielded
me from such a storm of shot and shell, and
brought me through unscathed. It seems to me
NEW POSITION. 219
now that it was almost as much of a miracle as
that of the three Hebrew children coming forth
from the fiery furnace without even the smell of
fire upon them.
CHAPTER XVII.
TROWBRIDGE S GRAVE — SCENES IN A HOSPITAL CAPTURE OF
THE WOUNDED A NOBLE SURGEON LINE OF BATTLE HARD
FIGHTING THE ENEMY REPULSED HUNTING FOR FOOD IN A
FARM-HOUSE PERILOUS POSITION SECURING THE SPOILS
BELIEF OF THE FAMISHING SUBLIME SCENE ON THE
MARCH GENERAL KEYES GUN-BOATS ARRIVAL AT HARRI-
SON's LANDING SAD CONDITION OF TROOPS OUR LOSSES
MC CLELLAN'S ADDRESS TO THE ARMY.
WHEN I reached the main army the troops
had gained a new position, and were driv
ing the enemy back. The troops were well nigh
exhausted, yet fighting bravely and determinedly.
Night came and put an end to that day's battle,
but instead of spending the night in taking care
of our poor wounded men, we were obliged to
retreat, under cover of darkness, to Malvern Hill,
and leave our wounded in the hands of the enemy.
Of the many who died from exhaustion, as well
as wounds, during our retreat from the vicinity of
Richmond, I know of none more worthy of record
than that of a young man of my acquaintance who
died on the field the night after this battle. He
220 WITHDRAWAL TO MALVERN HILL.
was not wounded, but died at his post from sheer
exhaustion. In the course of the evening, I had
seen and offered him some brandy from my flask,
which I had for the wounded. He was then
scarcely able to stand on his feet, yet he refused
to take the brandy, saying, u that others needed it
more than he did; and besides," said he, "I never
take any intoxicating liquor under any circum
stances."
A notice of his death by an eye-witness, given
under the heading, "the Soldier's Last Watch,"
says: "A lonely grave, a little apart from others,
stands on the ground of one of the battles fought
in the retreat from Richmond, in the summer of
1862, which bears on its wooden head-board sim
ply the name, TROWBRIDGE.
" The turf covers the remains of a youthful sol
dier who was not only brave and patient, but ex
emplary as a Christian. Those battles renewed
from day to day, and attended by so many hard
ships, destroyed many lives, in addition to those
lost in conflict with the enemy. Hundreds and
thousands of our gallant men, worn out by march
es, fighting, hunger, and loss of sleep, became dis
couraged, and either recklessly threw themselves
into the jaws of death, or fell into the hands of the
enemy, because they were unable to keep up with
their more robust, though not braver companions.
"The circumstances of the death of one of these
silent martyrs to their country werfc taken down
THE SOLDIER'S LAST WATCH. 221
from the lips of a soldier who was with him in his
last hours. It is all that may be known, save to
a few bleeding hearts, of one who, alas ! like so
many others, sleeps in that saddest of all places, a
battle-field. The worn-out soldier, the day before
his death, said to his lieutenant, i I am so weak
and helpless, I do not know what I can do further.7
He was told to lie down, and get what rest he
could on the battle-field. About ten at night, said
his companion, as we were talking together, an
officer of the company came up, and told us we
should retreat at two o'clock in the morning. He
ordered us to stand guard till then, two hours each
in turn. We took straws, and drew lots to decide
who should stand first. The lot fell on Trow-
bridge. I threw myself on the ground, under a
tree, with my blanket drawn over me, and was
soon fast asleep. At twelve I was aroused, but
said, ' you must be mistaken ; it cannot be five
minutes since I lay down.' We had been ordered
not to speak aloud, or to have a light ; and he re
plied in a whisper, ' Feel the hands of my watch — •
it is twelve.'
UI took his place, and he was soon asleep, or
seemed to be. At half-past one o'clock the order
came to move. I went to awake Trowbridge, but
had no answer, except that he groaned heavily
once and again. I tried to soothe him, and awake
him gently, but 'he turned aside his head, groaned
once more, and was gone I struck a match, and
222 TROWBRIDGE'S GRAVE.
looked upon his features; they were set, and
ghastly in death. I placed his hand on my cheek,
and asked him if he was still conscious to press it.
There was no response ; life was evidently extinct.
"I made an attempt to find the surgeon, or
chaplain, but they had both gone forward with the
army. So I searched his.pockets, and taking from
them six dollars for his mother, and a letter di
rected to himself, I replaced the envelope, that his
name, at least, might be known to those who
should find the body. Several days after this, I
was one of the number detailed to go back to that
spot and bury the dead. On searching near the
place where Trowbridge died, I found a grave
with a wooden tablet, bearing his name. Not far
distant was a house at which I called, and asked
the inmates if they knew anything of that grave.
The woman of the family then brought forward
an envelope, (the very one that I had replaced),
and said they had buried a soldier there, from
whose pocket it was taken. It was a relief to
know what had become of the body. Of course
I wrote to his mother, sending the money, and
giving an account of her son's last moments, and
his burial."
This is only a solitary instance of the bravery
and faithfulness of the men who fought those terri
ble battles, day after clay, many of whom died with
their muskets in their hands, and without receiving
a wound, died from hunger, thirst, and fatigue.
A NOBLE SURGEON. 223
There was a farm-house near the battle-field,
to which the wounded were carried, and the
surgeons of the Union Army made it their head
quarters during the battle. I will not attempt to
describe the scenes which I witnessed in that
building, for it beggars all description. The poor
fellows seemed to know that they could not be
removed, and would inevitably fall into the hands
of the enemy. One man asked a surgeon, who
had just performed an operation on one of his
arms, " Doctor, is there no alternative — must I be
taken prisoner ? " The doctor was only a boy in
appearance, a little Scotchman, and as noble-heart
ed a man as ever amputated a limb. He replied,
in broad Scotch, "No, my man, there is no alter
native ; but keep up a good heart, I am not going
to leave you, I shall be a prisoner for your sakes,
and will take care of you as long as I can." He
did so, and was really taken prisoner, but was not
permitted to do much for those for whom he had
made such a noble sacrifice. He was Doctor Cle-
land, of Detroit, Michigan.
When the order was given to retreat that night,
I started with my colt, having a good saddle and
bridle on him now, which I had taken off a dead
horse on the battle-field, and reached Malvern Hill
about two o'clock in the morning. After hitching
my horse, and unstrapping a small bag of oats and
my blanket from the saddle, I fed him, and pro
ceeded to take a glance around, to see how things
224 MALVERN HILL.
looked. The artillery was already in position, and
the weary troops were in line of battle, but flat on
the ground and fast asleep — all except the guards,
who were pacing backward and forward in front
of the line, ready to arouse the sleepers at any
moment. Feeling safe to consign myself to the
arms of Morpheus after this reconnoissance, I re
turned, wrapped myself in my blanket, and slept
until the thundering of cannon awoke me in the
morning.
Malvern Hill is an elevated plateau, about a
mile and a half by three-fourths of a mile in area,
nearly cleared of timber, and with several con
verging roads running over it. In front there are
numerous ravines. The ground slopes gradually
toward the northeast to the wooded plain beyond,
giving clear ranges for artillery in different
directions.
The batteries were advantageously posted on
those hills, while the reserve troops were sheltered
as much as possible by the ravines. The artillery
of the reserve was placed in position so as to bring
the concentrated fire of sixty guns to bear upon
the enemy's front and left, approaching from
Richmond or White Oak Swamp. The brave
Colonel Tyler, First Connecticut, with great exer
tion succeeded in getting ten of his siege guns ia
position on the highest point of the hill ; the men
having to haul many of them up by hand. Com
modore Rodgers, commanding the flotilla on
HARD FIGHTING. 225
James river, placed his gun-boats in position to
protect the left flank and to command the ap
proaches from Richmond.
The battle commenced about nine o'clock in
the morning, and raged all day with terrible fury.
At three in the afternoon the enemy attacked our
right and center with tremendous force both of
artillery and infantry. The artillery was replied
to with good effect, but our infantry lay upon the
ground and withheld their fire until the advancing
column was within short musket range, when they
sprang to their feet and poured in a deadly volley
which entirely broke the attacking force, and
drove the rebels back some eight hundred yards
in great confusion.
The battle raged most furiously hour after hour,
the enemy advancing in massive column, often
without order, but with perfect recklessness; and
the concentrated fire of our gun-boats, batteries
and infantry mowing down the advancing host in
a most fearful manner, until the slain lay in heaps
upon the field.
At four o'clock the firing ceased along the rebel
line, and it was supposed the battle was over ; but
it proved only a calm before a more terrible storm.
At six o'clock the enemy suddenly opened upon
the left of our line with the whole strength of his
artillery, and fiercely pushed forward his column of
attack to carry the hill. His infantry in immense
force formed under cover of the woods, and
226 HUNTING FOR FOOD.
starting on a run across the open space, charging
almost up to the muzzle of the guns of our advance
batteries, came rushing on with yells and impre
cations — but in a moment the whole hill was one
blaze of light — those terrible siege guns had
belched forth a murderous fire, and a simultaneous
volley from the gun boats, infantry and numerous
batteries, sent the enemy reeling back to shelter,
leaving the ground covered with their dead and
wounded. Then our men dashed forward with
the bayonet, with wild shouts and cheers, capturing
prisoners and colors, and driving the routed rebels
in confusion from the field.
At a little past four in the afternoon, when
there was a lull in the terrible storm of grape and
cannister, I ventured to go to a house which stood
about half way between our line of battle and that
of the enemy. I found a large quantity of flour,
bacon, smoked ham, etc. The appearance of
everything in the house indicated that the family
had left suddenly, without disturbing anything.
The dishes were on the table, as if the family had
risen from dinner ; the beds and bedding too .re
mained undisturbed ; the late inhabitants seemed
to have thought of nothing but of saving their
lives and escaping from the Yankees.
I was not long in searching cupboard, pantry
and store-room, and appropriating tea, baking-
soda, cream-of- tartar, et cetera. But in order to
reach the house unobserved by the rebels I had
PERILOUS POSITION. 227
been obliged to crawl there on my hands and
feet, and now the question arose how was I to
carry anything back with me ? Taking a bed-
quilt I spread it on the floor and commenced se
lecting the most important articles, such as a small
bag of flour, ham, an iron spider, a large coffee-pot,
and some other things ; after tying these up in the
quilt I attached a long bed-cord to the bundle, in
tending to drag it along the ground. Just as I
was completing my arrangements, a shell came
crashing through the side of the house, and pass
ing through the window on the opposite side, it
made the house tremble as if shaken by an earth
quake. Then another and another came in quick
succession until I was obliged to seek refuge in
the cellar. The rebels evidently thought that the
house contained a band of our sharpshooters, and
were determined to dislodge them if possible, for
they brought three pieces to bear upon it for
about twenty minutes, until they succeeded in
setting it on fire. Before the echo of the last
shot had died away I heard the crackling of the
fire above my headr and thought it prudent to
make an attempt to escape. I did not find it very
difficult to do so, as the fire was principally con
fined to the upper part of the house. So taking
my precious burden of provisions, which still lay
unharmed on the floor, I began my retreat in the
same manner in which I had advanced, drawing
O
my pack after me by means of the cord. I could
228 RELIEF OF THE FAMISHING.
not make much progress, however, for I found it
very difficult to drag that immense weight over
the rough ground. But I at length succeeded in
reaching the lines, and was hailed by hearty cheers
from those who were anxiously awaiting the result
of my hazardous mission. Several of the boys
caught up the spoil and carried it to the rear7
where we built a fire and commenced cooking im
mediately. An hour later we had a nice lot of
hot bread, fried ham a.nd tea ready for disposal.
Oh, I shall never forget the thrill of pleasure
which I experienced when I carried this food and
set it before those famishing men, and saw them
eat it with a sort of awe and reverence as if it
had fallen from heaven. One of the men looked
up, with moistened eyes, and said : " Bob, do you
know that this food has been sent us by our heav
enly Father, just as much as the manna was sent
to the Children of Israel ? That boy risked his
life in procuring it for us, but he never would
have returned from that burning building if God
"had not shielded him from the bursting shell. I
believe it has just come in time to save me from
sharing the fate of poor Trowbridge."
The battle of Malvern Hill presented, by far, the
most sublime spectacle I ever witnessed. All the
battles I had seen before, and those which I have
seen since, were nothing to be compared to it.
The elevated position which the army occupied,
the concentration of such an immense force in so
SUBLIME SCENE. 229
small compass, such a quantity of artillery on those
hills all in operation at the same time, the reflec
tion of the flashes of fire from hundreds of guns
upon the dense cloud of smoke which hung sus
pended in the heavens, turning it into a pillar of
fire which reminded one of the camp of the Israel
ites and of God's dealings with His people of old,
the vivid flashes of lightning, the terrific peals of
thunder mingled with the continuous blaze of
musketry, sudden explosions of shell and the
deafening roar of cannon, combined to make a
scene which was awfully grand. My soul was
filled with the sublimity and grandeur of the scene,
notwithstanding the ghastly wounds and piteous
groans of the mangled, helpless ones around me.
Thus it continued from seven to nine in the even
ing, the most thrilling picture which the imagina
tion can conceive.
As soon as the firing ceased the rear of the
army began to move off in the direction of Harri
son's Landing, and the exhausted troops in front
threw themselves upon the ground to rest.
The greater portion of the transportation of the
army having been started for Harrison's Landing
during the night, the order was at once issued for
the movement of the army upon the final re
pulse of the enemy at Malvern Hill. The troops
were to move by the left and rear; General
Keyes' corps being ordered to remain in position
until all had moved off— then to cover the retreat.
230 HARRISON'S LANDING.
General McClellan, in his official report, awards
great credit to General Keyes for the manner in
which he carried out these orders. He took every
advantage of the ground to open new avenues to
aid the movement, and made preparations to ob
struct the roads as soon as the army had withdrawn.
In this way the march to Harrison's Landing
was continued ; the bridges were all destroyed
and timber felled across the roads immediately
after the army passed, thus rendering any rapid
pursuit by the enemy impossible. The trains were
kept in the middle of the road, leaving room for
the infantry on each side, so as to be in good po
sition to repel any attack which might be made
during the march. His dispositions were so suc
cessful that, to use his own words: UI do not
think more vehicles or any more public property
were abandoned on the march from Turkey bridge
than would have been left, in the same state of
the roads, if the army had been moving toward
the enemy instead of away from him ; and when
it is understood that the carriages and teams be
longing to the army, stretched out in one line,
would extend not far from forty miles, the energy
and caution necessary for their safe withdrawal
from the presence of an enemy in vastly superior
numbers will be appreciated."
"High praise," says the commanding general,
" is also due to the officers and men of the First
Connecticut Artillery, Colonel Tyler, for the man-
CONDITION O-F THE TROOPS. 231
ner in which they withdrew all the heavy guns
during the seven days and from Malvern Hill.
Owing to the crowded state of the roads the
teams could not be brought within a couple of
miles of the position ; but these energetic soldiers
removed the guns by hand for that distance, leav
ing nothing behind."
The enemy followed the army with a small force,
and occasionally threw a few shells at the rear
guard, but were quickly dispersed by our batteries
and gun-boats, and on the evening of the third of
July the entire army reached the Landing.
The troops presented a most distressing appear
ance as they drew up in line, and stacked their
guns at Harrison's Bar. The rain had been pour
ing down most of the night, and was still drench
ing the poor battle-worn, foot-sore soldiers, and
turning the roads into beds of mortar, and the low
marshy ground at the Landing into such a condi
tion that it was impossible to get along dry shod,
except for those who rejoiced in the possession of
high t)oots.
The aggregate of our entire losses in the seven
days' battles, from the twenty-sixth of June to the
first of July, inclusive, was ascertained, after
arriving at Harrison's Landing, to be fifteen thou
sand two hundred and forty-nine, namely: fifteen
hundred and eighty-two killed ; seven thousand
seven hundred and nine wounded, and five thou
sand nine hundred and fifty-eight missing.
232 OUR LOSSES.
On the fourth of July the following address was
issued to the troops by General McClellan :
" HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, |
Camp near Harrison }s Landing, July 4, 1862. j
41 Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac : — Your
achievements of the last ten days have illustrated
the valor and endurance of the American soldier.
Attacked by superior forces, and without hope of
reinforcements, you have succeeded in changing
your base of operations by a flank movement, al
ways regarded as the most hazardous of military
expedients. You have saved all your material,
all your trains and all your guns, except a few lost
in battle, taking in return guns and colors from
the enemy. Upon your march, you have been
assailed day after day, with desperate fury, by men
of the same race and nation, skillfully massed and
led. Under every disadvantage of number, and
necessarily of position also, you have in every con
flict beaten back your foes with enormous slaugh
ter. Your conduct ranks you among the cele
brated armies of history. No one will now ques
tion that each of you may always with pride say :
4 1 belong to the Army of the Potomac.7 You
have reached the new base, complete in organiza
tion and unimpaired in spirit. The enemy may
at any moment attack you. We are prepared to
meet them. I have personally established your
lines. Let them come, and we will convert their
OLD ACQUAINTANCES. 233
repulse into a final defeat. Your Government is
strengthening you with the resources of a great
people. On this, our nation's birth-day, we de
clare to our foes, who are enemies against the best
interests of mankind, that this army shall enter the
capital of the so-called confederacy ; that our na
tional constitution shall prevail, and that the Union,
which can alone insure internal peace and exter
nal security to each State, ' must and shall be pre
served,' cost what it may in time, treasure, and
blood.'7
CHAPTER XVIII.
RETURN OF OLD ACQUAINTANCES — THE WOUNUEb COLONEL 1
VISIT WASHINGTON — MILITARY DISPLAY EPAULETS ARISTOC
RACY — SPIRIT OF JOHNNY BULL SOLDIERS* FREE LIBRARY
CONTRABAND CAMP — NEGRO TESTIMONY — PATIENT CHARLEY
PAINFUL POSITION BROTHER'S LAST CONVERSATION — RETURN
TO THE ARMY— CHRISTIAN COMMISSION GENERAL HOWAKO's
SPEECH.
ABOUT a week after we arrived at Harrison's
Landing a number of our absent ones joined
us, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. B., Nellie,
Jack, my wounded darkie friend from Williams-
burg Hospital, and last and least of all came that
pusillanimous coward, Colonel - — , whom I had
assisted in carrying from the field at the battle of
Williamsburg, and whom Doctor E. had ordered
back to his regiment under penalty of being re-
234 THE WOUNDED COLONEL.
ported to his superior officer. The next day after
the arrival of this individual I received a message
requesting me to appear at the headquarters of
the — regiment. I started immediately, and found
to my astonishment that it was this Colonel who
desired an interview with me.
He had been gone on furlough ever since the
battle of Williamsburg, and had played his cards
so well that he had been promoted to the com
mand of a brigade. He had also managed, by
false representations, to have the following notice
inserted in the leading newspapers of his native
State, viz. : uColonel was severely wounded at
the battle of Williamsburg, while gallantly leading
a desperate charge on the enemy's works, and was
carried from the field, but no sooner had the sur
geons bound up his wound than the noble and pa
triotic colonel returned again to his command and
led his men again and again upon the foe, until
the day was won ; when he sank upon the ground,
exhausted from loss of blood and fatigue, and was
carried the second time by his men from the field."
The paper in which this false statement was
published found its way to camp, and Doctor E.
replied to it, somewhat changing the editor's sen
timents with regard to the conduct of the "noble
and patriotic colonel." He, the colonel, had now
returned to wreak vengeance upon Doctor E.
Going to his tent I found the colonel alone.
He arose as I entered, and in rather an excited
OUR INTERVIEW. 235
manner spoke as follows: UI am informed that
you are one of the persons who carried me off the
field when I was wounded at Williamsburg, and
witnessed the infamous conduct of Doctor E., and
heard the insulting language which he used to
ward me." I did not reply, but stood gazing at
the man before me. He looked me in the face
for the first time since I entered, and discovering
the smile of contempt which I could not suppress,
he seized me roughly by the arm and exclaimed:
u See here boy, what do you mean ? Why do you
not answer me ? " I replied with provoking cool
ness and the same sarcastic smile : " Pardon me,
sir, I was not aware that you asked me a direct
question ; I understood you to say that you were
informed that I was one of the persons who car
ried you off the battle-field at Williamsburg. I
have the honor to inform you that thu& far your
informant was correct."
"Then you saw the treatment which I received,
and heard the abusive language which Doctor E.
made use of on that occasion ? "
" I saw Doctor E. examine you carefully nnd
thoroughly, and when he could discover no cause
for your being brought there, I heard him say —
4 Colonel, you are not wounded at all. You had
better let these boys carry you back to your regi
ment ;' and when you so suddenly recovered your
strength and sprang to your feet, making use of
threats and profane language, he said: 'If you do
236 I VISIT WASHINGTON.
not return to your regiment within fifteen minute?
I will report you to General ."
Suddenly relaxing his grasp of my arm, he as
sumed a fawning tone and manner, and taking a
paper from his pocket he asked me to put my
name to it, and he would reward me handsomely.
I took the document from his hand and read it
carefully. . It was drawn up, as near as I can re
member after the following manner : " This is to
certify that Colonel has been infamously
treated and maliciously slandered by Doctor E.,
while said colonel was suffering from a wound re
ceived at Williamsburg battle. Two of the under
signed carried him bleeding from the field, and
witnessed the cruel treatment and insulting lan
guage of Doctor E."
After reading the document, I said very calmly
and decidedly, " Colonel, I must decline signing
this paper."
By this time I had become indignant, and de
termined to cut short the interview ; so touching
my hat in mock respect, I left him to his own
reflections.
Now it came my turn to visit Washington —
and the very next boat that left the landing bore
me over the quiet waters of the James river. In
due time I reached the Capital, and spent three
days in visiting the hospitals in Washington,
Georgetown and Alexandria, and various other
places of interest.
-MILITARY DISPLAY. 237
I was commissioned with numerous orders and
had any amount of messages to deliver for officers
and others ; as many of our men were in the dif
ferent hospitals in those cities, and I was expected
to find them and deliver letters, packages, etc.
The military display made in Washington is
certainly astonishing, especially to those who are
accustomed to see major generals go round in
slouched hats and fatigue coats, without even a
star to designate their rank. But cocked and
plumed hats, scarlet lined riding cloaks, swords
and sashes, high boots and Spanish spurs, immense
epaulets, glittering stars, and gaily caparisoned
horses, are to be seen by the hundred around Wil-
lard's hotel and other places of resort.
I noticed that some in particular wore painfully
tight uniforms and very small caps, kept on by some
new law of gravitation, as one portion rested on
the bump of self esteem and the other on the
bridge of the nose. " Miss Periwinkle" says of this
class of military heroes: "They look like stuffed
fowls, and ride as if the safety of the nation de*
pended upon their speed alone."
Chaplain A. H. Quint manfully defends the mul
tiplicity of epaulets in Washington, and very ap
propriately remarks : " Willards is the news depot.
Consider how easily a hundred, interested to read
the bulletin there, could assemble. First, the
general-in-chief is in Washington, and has a staff
necessarily. Secondly, the quartermaster general,
238 EPAULETS AND ARISTOCRACY.
the adjutant general, the military governor, the
paymaster -general, and the surgeon-general,- have
each a staff. Thirdly, 'what military force there is
in the city has officers. Fourthly, there is a mul
titude of surgeons easily mistaken for army officers1,
as they wear uniforms. Add to these the conva
lescent officers just able to move about, and you
have hundreds necessarily in Washington. And
of course the display of epaulets is great.'7
Notwithstanding the " troublous times," there
are generally gay times at the Capital. Levees
and public receptions are frequent, except during
the reign of terror, when some bold dash of rebel
cavalry is made upon the devoted city, and then
there is a genuine panic for a short time.
In Washington I think there is as much of the
aristocratic spirit as you will find in the United
States. People there are respected and graded
according to their uniform; everything is regu
lated according to caste, and it is as David Crock
et says about dining: common people dine at
twelve, common clerks in departments at one,
head clerks at two, representatives at three, heads
of departments at four, senators at five, ambassa
dors at six, and the President — well, he doesn't
dine till the next day.
In one of my rambles I visited the Senate cham
ber. It was unoccupied, except by a few speci
mens of young America, who were playing leap
frog over the seats and desks. I leisurely sur-
SPIRIT OF JOHNNY BULL. 239
veyed every item of interest — sat in Sumner's
chair, and recalled the scene enacted there a few
years previous, and in imagination thrashed Brooks
until he was a fit subject for a hospital — then giv
ing him a farewell coup de pied, I betook me to
the picture galleries.
After admiring Pocahontas sufficiently, and gaz
ing at expiring heroes, who all u appeared to be
quitting their earthly tabernacles in convulsions,"
ruffled shirts, and a tremendous shower of bomb
shell, until my head ached ; I then turned for
relief to the noble form of " The Father of his
Country," which looked out from the canvas in
all the princely majesty which characterized that
great and good man. I stood wrapped in profound
reverence, when a friend drew my attention to two
paintings which I had not noticed before. They
represented the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and
General Burgoyne. I felt a warm current of blood
rush to my face, as I contemplated the humiliating
scene — the spirit of Johnny Bull triumphed over
my Yankee predilections — and I left the building
with feelings of humiliation and disgust.
Next in order, I visited the " Soldier's Free Li
brary," in Fifth street, under the superintendence
of John A. Fowle, Esq. He has accumulated over
two thousand five hundred volumes of well select
ed historical, biographical and religious works.
The soldiers in the different hospitals have the
free use of the library, which is open daily. The
240 SOLDIER'SFREE LIBRARY.
room is nicely furnished, and the pictures hanging
on the walls give it a cheerful, home-look, and the
soldiers come there by the score. It is an excel
lent arrangement. Thanks to the benevolent
hearts and hands that have provided such a luxury
for the soldier.
An hour's walk through the contraband camp
was amusing and instructive. Here were speci
mens of all grades of the negro character, from
the genuine pious, cheerful trusting Christian, to
the saucy, lazy, degraded creature, which genera
tions of slavery has made almost on a level with
the beasts of the field. But all of them kind-
hearted, merry-tempered, and quick to feel and
accept the least token of kindness.
Their cheerfulness is proverbial ; old women,
with wool white with age, bent over the wash-tub,
grinned and gossiped in the most cheerful man
ner — girls romped with their dusky sweethearts,
and mothers tossed their babies with that tender
pride and mother-love which beautifies the black
est and homeliest face.
All were happy, 'because they were free — and
there seemed to be no room for anything like
gloom or despondency in their hearts. Men, wo
men, and children sang, whistled and laughed to
gether — and whether their songs were of heaven,
or of hoe-cakes, they were equally inspiring.
I found a young lady there, from, the North,
who had come to Washington with the intention
CONTRABANDS. 241
of nursing the sick soldiers, but her sympathies
being divided between sick America and down
trodden Africa, she decided to teach the contra
bands instead. She seemed delighted with her
employment, and the little black faces were beam
ing with joy as they gathered around her to re
ceive instruction.
One colored man stood listening to the ques
tions which were being asked and answered, and
looked as if he would like to give in his testimony.
I turned to him, and asked : u How is it with you?
do you think you can take care of yourself, now
that you have no master to look after you ? "
u Gosh a-mighty, guess I can I Ben taking car'
of self and massa too for dis fifteen year. Guess
I can take car' of dis nig all alone now/
While at one of the hospitals in Alexandria, the
head steward told me the following touching in*
cident, which occurred in that hospital. Said he :
u A young man had been placed under our care,
who had a severe wound in the thigh. The ball
passed completely through, and amputation was
necessary. The limb was cut up close to the body,
the arteries taken up, and he seemed Jo be doing
well. Subsequently, one of the small arteries
sloughed off; an incision was made, and it was
taken up. 4 It is well it was not the main artery,'
said the surgeon, as he performed the operation.
1 He might have bled to death before it could have
been taken up.' But the patient, (Charley, as we
16
242 TOUCHING SCENE.
always spoke of him), got on finely for a time,
and was a favorite with us all.
ulwas passing through the ward one night,
about midnight, when suddenly, as I was passing
Charley's bed, he spoke to me : 4 H , my leg
is bleeding again.' I threw back the bedclothes,
and the blood spirted in the air. The main artery
had sloughed off.
u Fortunately, I knew just what to do ; and in an
instant I had pressed my thumb on the place, and
stopped the bleeding. It was so close to the body
that there was barely room for my thumb, but I
succeeded in keeping it there, and arousing one
of the convalescents, sent him for the surgeon,
who came in on a run.
" ' I am so thankful,' said he, as he saw me, i that
you were up, and knew what to do, for otherwise
he must have bled to death before I could have
got here.'
" But on examination of the case, he looked ex
ceedingly serious, and sent for other surgeons.
All came who were within reach, and. a consulta
tion was held over the poor fellow. One conclu
sion was reached by all. There was no place to
work, save the spot where my thumb was placed;
they could not work under my thumb, and if I
removed it he would bleed to death before the
artery could be taken up. There was no way to
save his life.
"Poor Charley ! He was very calm when they
A PAINFUL POSITION. 243
told him, and he requested that his brother, who
was in the same hospital, might be called up. He
came and sat down by the bedside, and for three
hours I stood, and by the pressure of my thumb
kept up the life of Charley, while the brothers had
their last conversation on earth. It was a strange
position for me to occupy, to feel that I held the
life of a fellow mortal in my hands, and stranger
yet to feel that an act of mine must cause that life
to depart. Loving the poor fellow as I did, it
was a hard thought ; but there was no alternative.
The last words were spoken. Charley had ar
ranged all his business affairs, and sent tender
messages to absent ones, who little dreamed how
near their loved one stood to the grave. The
tears filled my eyes more than once as I listened
to those parting words. The last good:bye was
spoken ; then turning to me, he said : ' Now,
H , I guess you had better remove your
thumb.' C0h, Charley! how can I,' said I. 'But
it must be done, you know,' he replied. ll thank
you very much for your kindness, and now, good*
bye.' He turned away his head. I raised my
thumb — once more the life-current gushed forth,
and in three minutes he was dead."
Having heard and seen considerable on my little
pleasure trip, and my leave of absence having
nearly expired, I prepared to return once more to
duty, and on my way to the boat I was fortunate
enough to meet with some of the Christian Com-
244 GENERAL HOWARD.
mission delegates, who were going to Harrison's
Landing on the same boat, and had quite a supply
of good things for our sick and wounded. May
God bless the Christian Commission — it is doing a
noble work, not only for the sick and wounded,
but for our soldiers generally.
General Howard, of Maine, that noble Christian
patriot of whom I have spoken in a previous chap
ter, was one of the speakers at the great meeting
in Philadelphia, January twenty-eighth, the second
anniversary of the United States Christian Com
mission. He delivered a most touching and
appropriate address on that occasion, and as it
expresses my own sentiments, both with regard
to the Christian Commission and the religion of
Christ generally, I will quote a portion of his
speech, for the benefit of my readers who may not
have read it elsewhere :
" I may be allowed to speak freely to the friends
who are here to-night. Let me tell you one thing
which I need not suppress if I could, and that is,
that I feel in my heart a deep and abiding interest
in the cause of my Redeemer. I know that this
is also the cause of the Christian Commission, and
therefore I love it, and identify myself with it ;
and I doubt not that you love it, and will do ev
erything to sustain it, for a like reason. And now
I ask you, as I am to go back to the field to take
up my cross anew, and to stand up night and day,
evening and morning, for the cause of Him I
CHRISTIAN COMMISSION. 245
love, that your earnest, importunate prayers may
follow me, and that God would bless the soldiers,
that evil may be repressed among them, and that
when they go into battle they may go without a
fear, because they know in whom they have be
lieved.
UI assert that the highest type of courage is
Christian courage. When your spirit yearns up
to God in prayer, C0h, Lord, be my protector,
and in this peril let me run under the shadow of
thy wing,' then you will fear no evil, though you
walk through the valley and the shadow of death.
My friends, these things are realities with me.
By the blessing of God, by his spirit, he has ena
bled me to have a clear conviction that should he
take me away I shall go to be with him. Not
because I am good, or holy, or righteous; but
because I have a Saviour ; an all-sufficient Saviour,
who is able to save even the chief of sinners unto
the utmost. Therefore, I am able to say that I
can go into the battle fearing no evil. And would
to God, for their sakes, that every officer in the
army and every soldier in the ranks could declare,
in sincerity from the depths of his heart, that God
had done such great things for him ! These, to
me, are settled, solemn convictions ; and I speak
them freely and frankly, as I am encouraged to do
on this auspicious occasion.
"It may seem to some that it is expressing one's
feelings too publicly ; but I think it well for me
246 ITS LABORS.
to bear such testimony in a work like yours,
which contemplates this great and all-important
result, the promotion of heart religion and the sal
vation of souls. And especially do I feel this in
these times of excitement and terror — over the
mere temporal accessories of war, the dreadful
sacrifice of lives, the horrible sights of wounds,
the caring for the sick and wounded, the lamenta
tions for the dead — amid all this I fear that the
still, small voice has not always been listened to ;
the silent and beautiful, though wonderful work of
the Spirit of God has not been seen, and its im
portance felt as it should be in our land. This
the Christian Commission is striving to accomplish ;
it seeks to keep alive the spirit of Christianity
among our soldiers. Their agency is the leaven
in our armies. May they leaven the whole lump !
"It is this only that will prepare us for our
liberty. This bond, the bond of Christian love, is
the true bond after all that shall permanently
unite us. There is no other. We speak of the
claims of commerce and trade, of corn and cotton,
that will unite the sections of our country ; but
these are temporary, fluctuating, perishing links.
The religion of Jesus Christ is the lasting bond
that connects not only Maine with Massachusetts
and Massachusetts with Connecticut, but Maine
with Texas and Florida with Wisconsin.
" We boast of being an asylum for all nations.
Prom England, Ireland, France, Germany, Russia,
ITS OPEN ARMS. 247
and almost every country beyond the ocean, come
men, women and children, who settle down in our
midst. How shall we cause them to assimilate to
us? How shall we ever make them good and
useful citizens ? Will it be, think you, by merely
giving them land on which to settle ? Will they
become one with us because they grow in materi
al wealth and prosperity? No, no! Nothing
but an education, a true education of heart and
morals, such as the religion of Jesus Christ imparts,
can ever truly and safely assimilate all these het
erogeneous elements, and enable us to be truly
one people.
" The gospel has its victories to achieve for us
as well as the sword. Many of the rebels hated
us worse before the war than they do now. They
respect us much more than they once did, after
seeing that we are not afraid to expose our bodies
to be burned, if necessary, in a just cause — the
cause of our country that we love ; that we shrink
from no sacrifice of money, time or life in order
to maintain and perpetuate the beautiful Govern
ment that our fathers bequeathed to us. But this
is not all. They have felt, too, the power of the
spirit of kindness and love, of which the religion
of Jesus has borne so many fruits in this struggle.
" They have been astonished at the kindness
which has 'been shown to them when they have
fallen into our hands. It was this that demoral
ized them at Vicksburg. In the West the rebels
248 ITS FRIENDS.
are not so violent as they were. When they come
into our lines now they say they were forced to
fight, that they are Union men, and always were
Union men. And they are coming in every day.
We have just heard that when General Rosecrans
took command of the Cumberland army, eight
thousand delivered themselves up to us. And
do they hate us ? No ! We have melted them
down by Christian kindness and love. And, my
friends, this is the way to disarm them. I believe,
and say it with emphatic assurance, that if we all
have the spirit of the Master in our hearts we shall
demoralize them wherever we find them !
"I do not advocate any shrinking back or
checking of the terrible steeds of war. No ! Fill
up the ranks. Make the next campaign more vig
orous than any that has gone before it, so that it
shall be, by the Divine help, perfectly impossible
for the rebels to keep the field. But let us wield
this power along with the alleviating and saving
influences of the religion of Christ. Let these, as
diffused by the Christian Commission and in other
ways, follow our armies everywhere, blessing
friend and foe alike, and we shall then cause the
enemy to come within our lines, not only by the
eight thousand, but by the sixteen and sixty thou
sand. It is this that will ruin their cause, and
finally break down their opposition."
CHAPTER XIX.
MY CONSTANT COMPANION DISPELLING THE BLUES GENTL5
NELLIE — FACES IN THE HOSPITAL ASLEEP AND AWAKE MY
HORSE AGAIN AT HARRISON'S LANDING IMPATIENT TO MOVE
DISSATISFACTION IN THE ARMY — RETREAT FROM RICHMOND
RETURN TO NEWPORT NEWS— SUSPICIOUS QUARTERS— SEARCHING
THE HOUSE AND FINDING REBEL SOLDIERS THANKS TO THE
ARMY — OUR ARRIVAL AT ACQUIA CREEK.
WHILE we remained at Harrison's Landing I
spent much of my time in the hospitals.
Nellie was now my faithful friend and companion,
my colleague when on duty, and my escort on all
occasions in my rides and rambles. She was a
splendid woman, and had the best faculty of dis
pelling the blues, dumps and dismals of any per
son I ever met. When we went to a hospital and
found the nurses looking tired and anxious and
the patients gloomy and sad, it never required
more than half an hour for us to get up a different
state of feeling, and dispel that " Hark-from-the-
tombs-a-doleful-sound " sort of spirit, and we inva
riably left the men in a more cheerful mood,
evidently benefited by having a little respite from
that depressing melancholy so prevalent among
the sick, and so often indulged by nurses.
In our own hospital we generally managed to
250 GENTLE NELLIE.
so assort and arrange the patients as to have all of
the same temperament and disease together, so
that we knew just what to do and what to say to
suit each department. We had our patients di
vided into three classes ; one was our working de
partment, another our pleasure department, and a.
third our pathetic department. One we visited
with bandages, plasters and pins; another, with
books and flowers ; and the third, with beef tea,
currant wine, and general consolation. Some
times Nellie would sit and fan the patients for
hours in the latter department, and sing some
soothing pieces in her soft, sweet strains, until she
would have them all asleep, or quiet as babies. I
think the soldiers may truly say of the gentle
Nellie:
Her soothing tones with peace beguile
The weary hours of pain,
And make the lonely sufferer smile
And joy to come again.
Still let me often hear thy voice,
Which gently whispers peace,
And let my troubled heart rejoice,
And strains of sadness cease ;
Still speak to me of pleasant things —
Of faith, and hope, and joy ;
Then shall I rise en lightsome wings
Where pains no more annoy.
I used to watch with much interest the coun
tenances of those men as they lay fast asleep, and
I often thought that I could read their characters
better when asleep than when awake. Some faces
ASLEEP AND AWAKE. 251
would grow stern and grim — they were evidently
dreaming of war, and living over again those ter
rible battles in which they had so recently partici
pated; some groaned over their wounds, and
cursed the rebels vigorously; others grew sad,
and would talk in the most pathetic tones, as if
the pain borne so silently through the day re
venged itself now by betraying what the man's
pride concealed so well while awake. Often the
roughest grew young and pleasant when sleep
smoothed away the hard lines from the brow, let
ting the real nature assert itself. Many times I
would be quite disappointed, for the faces which
looked merry and pleasing when awake would
suddenly grow dark and hideous, as if communing
with some dark spirits of another world.
One poor fellow, whose brain was injured more
than his body, would wear himself out more in an
hour when asleep than in a whole day when
awake. His imagination would conjure up the
wildest fancies ; one moment he was cheering on
his men, the next he was hurrying them back
again ; then counting the dead around him, while
an incessant stream of shouts, whispered warnings
and broken lamentations would escape from his lips.
I became acquainted with a young man from
Rhode Island in one of the hospitals, who was the
most patient and cheerful person it has been my
lot to meet under such circumstances. I find the
following notice with regard to him :
252 STRANGE CONVERSION.
"I came out here," said he, "as rough and as
bad as any of them. But I had left a praying
mother at home. While in camp at Poolesville I
heard that she was dead. After that her image
was never out of my thoughts. It seemed as if
her form appeared to me as in a mirror, and al
ways as wrestling for her wayward son. Go where
I might I felt as if I saw her in her place of pray
er, kneeling and putting up her petitions to God,
and not even the roar of battle could drown the
soft tones of her voice."
He was at the battle of Fair Oaks, and when it
ceased sat down on a log, exhausted, by the way
side, and then, to use his own words, he " thought
over the matter." Heaps of dead men lay on
every side of him. They had fallen, but he was
still unharmed. The melting words of his mother's
prayer came back to his mind with new power.
He thought of his own condition, and of her happy
home, so far removed from the strife and agony
of war. A pious soldier of his company noticed
that he was very thoughtful, and inquired the rea
son. To this friend he opened his mind freely,
and told him how he felt. They sought occasion
for private conference, communed together and
prayed; strength was given him to make the "last
resolve," and the soldier who had been so rough
and bad became a soldier in the Army of Jesus.
The sainted mother had not prayed in vain. A
battle had just been fought, a victory won, which
MY HORSE AGAIN. 253
*
was spreading joy throughout the nation ; but
here, too, was a triumph, a different triumph, such
as cause the angels of God in heaven to rejoice.
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee,
0 Lamb of God 1 I come.
One day, while employed in the hospital assist-
ing Nellie in some new arrangement for the amuse
ment of the men, I received a letter from the
captain to whom I had given my horse for the use
of himself and three companions on the retreat
from before Richmond. He and his friends had
reached the James river in safety, and had been
so fortunate as to get on board of one of the trans
ports which had been sent for the wounded, and
were now comfortably installed in a hospital in
Washington. He also wrote that he had given
my horse in charge of one of the quartermasters
of General G.'s brigade, a piece of information
which I was exceedingly glad to hear, for my colt
was well nigh spoiled on. the retreat, and if it had
not been, was not fit to ride much, or, indeed at
all, to do it justice, for it proved to be not quite
two years old.
But upon finding the quartermaster I was po
litely informed that he had bought and paid for
the horse, and of course I could not have it. I
said nothing, but went to General M.'s headquar
ters, stated the case, and procured an order which
254 AT HARRISON'S LANDING.
brought the horse in double-quick time, and no
thanks to the quartermaster.
A month passed away, and everything remained
quiet at Harrison's Landing and vicinity. The
troops, having rested, began to grow tired of the
routine of camp life, and were anxious for
another brush with the enemy. The vigilant eye
of McClellan noted the impatience of the men, and
he daily kept urging the necessity of reinforce
ments, and protested against leaving the Peninsu
la, as retreat, in his opinion, would prove disas
trous both to the army and the cause. Our com
mander's patience was well nigh exhausted, as the
following brief despatch of July 30th indicates :
UI hope that it may soon be decided what is to
be done by this army, and that the decision may be
to reinforce it at once. We are losing much valua
ble time, and that at a moment when energy and
decision are sadly needed."
About this time an order came from Washing
ton for all the sick to be sent away, without giving
any definite information with regard to the in
tended movements of the army.
August fourteenth orders came for the army
to evacuate Harrison's Landing. None knew
whither they were going, but notwithstanding
every pains was taken to conceal the destination
from the troops, it was evident that we were re
treating ; for the ominous fact that we turned our
backs toward Richmond was very suggestive of a
KETREAT FROM RICHMOND. 255
retreat. This had a demoralizing effect upon the
troops, for they had confidently expected to ad~
vance upon Richmond and avenge the blood of
their fallen comrades, whose graves dotted so
many hillsides on the Peninsula, and whose re
mains would now be desecrated by rebel hands.
The men were deeply moved; some wept like
children, others swore like demons, and all par
took in the general dissatisfaction of the movement.
On the morning of the sixteenth the whole army
was en route for parts unknown. Our destination
proved to be Newport News — a march of nearly
seventy miles. It was well for us we did not know
it then, or probably there would have been more
swearing and less weeping among the soldiers.
So far as I was personally concerned, I had a very
pleasant time during that march. Mr. and Mrs.
B., Dr. E., Nellie and myself, made up a small
party, independent of military discipline, and rode
fast or slow, just as it suited our fancy, called at
the farm-houses and bought refreshments when we
were hungry, and had a good time generally.
Nellie rode my confiscated colt, and pronounced
it a perfect gem. Dr. E. playfully said that he
supposed she admired it because it was a rebel,
and I suggested that he too must be a rebel, from
the same premises.
Time passed away pleasantly until we drew
near to Yorktown, where sad memories interrupted
the animated conversation. Nellie was near her
256 RETURN TO NEWPORT NEWS.
former home, with all its pleasant and sad associa
tions. We visited the grave of Lieutenant Y. I
could but rejoice that he had been taken away
from the evil to come. He had been saved from
all those terrible marches and horrible battles, and
from this distressing and humiliating retreat We
hitched our horses and remained some time there,
some of the party gathering the rich, ripe fruit,
which hung in abundance from the peach trees
around us. Before leaving, we all bowed around
the grave of our friei\d. Chaplain B. offered up
an ardent prayer that we might all be faithful, and
follow the example of our departed loved one, as
he had followed Christ, and meet him where war
and strife would be heard no more.
I know thou art gone to a clime of light,
To a world of joy and love,
Beyond the reach of the sunbeam's flight,
In the shadowless above.
And I will rejoice in thy smiles again,
And hap'ly thy whisper hear ;
Dispelling the gloom of sorrow and pain,
When the twilight of death is near.
We stopped at a farm-house one evening during
our march, and engaged lodgings for the night.
The house was very large, and afforded ample ac
commodations. It was the first one on the Penin
sula at which I had seen a strong, healthy-looking
man, attending to his farm as if there was no such
thing as war in the land. The lady of the house
was an active, business-like sort of woman, and
SUSPICIOUS QUARTERS. 257
went to work to make us comfortable. But there
was evidently something in or about that house
which was not just right — and we had not been
there long when I detected suspicious move
ments, and drew the attention of Dr. E. to the
fact. The naan seemed very uneasy and restless,
going from one room to another, shutting the
doors very carefully behind him, carrying parcels
up stairs in a half frightened way which increased
our suspicion. I proposed to our little party that
they should remain while I rode back to the army
for a detachment of the provost-guard. My pro
posal was agreed to, and I started back in the
direction of the main column.
The family seemed alarmed, and asked a great
many questions concerning my departure, to which
I replied: "I am only going a short distance; I
shall probably be back by the time supper is
ready." I made all haste after I disappeared
from view of the house, and in an hour I was on
my way back again, having succeeded in finding
the provost-marshal, and getting a corporal and
six men to go with me. They entered the house
boldly, and told the inmates that they had been
informed that there were rebels concealed in the
house, and they had come for the purpose of
searching it ; adding, that they would not disturb
anything, if their suspicions were unfounded.
The lady said that she had some sick persons in
the house, and did not wish them disturbed, as-
17
258 SEARCHING THE HOUSE.
suring them that her family were all Union, and
they would not harbor any rebels whatever. But
all her excuses and pretensions did not deter the
guard from accomplishing their object. So march
ing up stairs, they searched every room. In one
room were found four rebel soldiers, or guerillas,
all of whom pretended to be very ill. Dr. E. was
called to examine the patients, and pronounced
them well as he was. In another room were two
officers ; they made no excuse at all, but said that
they were the landlord's sons ; had been in the
rebel service, and were now home on furlough.
They said they had been home ever since Stuart's
cavalry raid at White House, and were waiting
for another such dash in order to get back again.
The provost-guard marched them all back to
headquarters, which was in the saddle, and our
little party thought proper to take shelter that
night under the wing of the main column, instead
of at a farm-house where we were not sure but
that our lives would pay for that piece of infor
mation given, before morning.
The army marched on until it reached the trans
ports. Some embarked at Yorktown, some at
Newport News, and others at Fortress Monroe.
The troops were literally worn out and discour
aged, caring but little where they went, or what
they did. They were huddled on board of trans
ports, and were landed at Aquia Creek.
General McClellan finding his army, as he had
THANKS TO THE ARMY. 259
anticipated, much depressed and discouraged in
consequence of the retreat from the Peninsula,
sent the following appeal to General Halleck :
" Please say a kind word to my army, that I can
repeat to them in general orders, in regard to
their conduct at Yorktown, Williamsburg, West
Point, Hanover Court-house, and on the Chicka-
hominy, as well as in regard to the Seven Days,
and the recent retreat. No one has ever said any
thing to cheer them but myself. Say nothing
about me ; merely give my men and officers credit
for what they have done. They deserve it."
The Army of the Potomac had performed an
enormous amount of labor in making entrench
ments, constructing roads, bridges, etc., and did
it with the most gratifying cheerfulness and devo
tion to the interests of the service. During the
entire campaign they had fought ten severely con
tested battles, and had beaten the enemy on every
occasion, showing the most determined bravery
and invincible qualities it was possible for an army
to exhibit. They -had submitted to exposure, sick
ness and death, without a murmur ; and they de
served the thanks of the government and the peo
ple for their services.
On arriving at Aquia Creek, we found ourselves
the victims of another rainstorm. Five of us went
on board of a little steam-tug, and thus escaped a
severe drenching during the night, for we had not
yet seen our tents. When morning came we were
260 AT AQUIA CREEK.
treated to breakfast, and the captain was very kind
indeed. We were just congratulating ourselves
on our good fortune, when we discovered that all
our little valuables, relics which we had brought
from the Peninsula, toilet arrangements, and even
our Bibles, had been stolen while we were asleep.
Nellie and I were indulging in some uncharitable
remarks concerning those persons upon whose
hospitality we had fared sumptuously and slept
comfortably, and who had so generously refused
to take any remuneration in the shape of green
backs, but who had helped themselves to things
more precious to us than money, when good Chap
lain B. entered just in time to catch the most un-
christian-like sentence we had uttered, and forth
with gave us a lecture upon the heinous sin of
ingratitude. When he had concluded, instead of
saying amen, I said : "from such hospitality in fu
ture, good Lord deliver us."
We did not remain long at Aquia Creek, but
were ordered to embark immediately for Alexan
dria, Virginia. When we arrived there, Pope's
army was in danger of annihilation; and, conse
quently, as fast as the Army of the Potomac ar
rived, it was ordered to Pope's assistance; one
portion in one direction, and another in another
direction, until it was cut up into sections, and
General McClellan was left at Washington, with
out an army or anything to command except his
itaffi
CHAPTER XX.
POPE'S ARMY — A GENERAL'S REQUEST — AGAIN A CONTRABAND —
ENTERING THE REBEL LINES AS A SPY MY ESCAPE TO THE
FEDERAL LINES IN PERIL KEARNEY KILLED CRAWLING
THROUGH THE WOODS BURIAL OF A PICKET LOOKING FOR
A GENERAL MR. NEGATIVE MC CLELLAN AND POPE THE
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM A TOUCHING DEATH-SCENE AN IN
TERESTING PATIENT BURIAL OF A FEMALE SOLDIER.
IMMEDIATELY after arriving at Alexandria, I
started for the battle-field, where a portion of
McClellan's army had gone to reinforce Pope. Ev
erything seemed to be in a confused state. There
was no definite information with regard to the
force of the enemy in that direction, and it seemed
impossible to obtain any from reliable sources.
McClellan's troops were ordered to the front, un
der new commanders, just as they came off the
transports in which they arrived from the Penin
sula, without any rest, or a proper supply of cloth
ing, shoes, or blankets; all of which they much
needed, after such a march as they had just accom
plished.
While the battle raged, and the roar of cannon
was reverberating over the National Capital,
McClellan sent the following request to Gen
eral Halleck : "I cannot express to you the
pain and mortification I have experienced to-day,
262 AGAIN A CONTRABAND.
in listening to the distant firing of my men. As
I can be of no further use here, I respectfully ask
that, if there is a probability of the conflict being
renewed to-morrow, I may be permitted to go to
the scene of battle with my staff, merely to be with
my own men, if nothing more. They will fight
none the worse for my being with them. If it is
not deemed best to intrust me with the command
even of my own army, I simply ask to be permit
ted to share their fate on the field of battle."
The troops under Pope were several days in the
vicinity of the Shenandoah Valley, with no rations
but those they found in the fields, such as fruit,
green corn, and vegetables. They certainly were
in a poor condition to fight, and there was evi
dently a lack of that cheerful, enthusiastic spirit,
which had characterized them on the Peninsula.
I was ordered by General H. to pass the rebel
lines, and return as soon as possible. I took the
train at Warrenton Junction, went to Washington,
procured a disguise, that of a female contraband,
and returned the same night. I passed through
the enemy's lines in company with nine contra
bands, men, women, and children, who preferred
to live in bondage with their friends, rather than
to be free without them. I had no difficulty what
ever in getting along, for I, with several others,
was ordered to headquarters to cook rations
enough, the rebels said, to last them until they
reached Washington.
y
°8
IN PERIL. 2G3
The officers generally talked in low tone**, but
would sometimes become excited, forget that there
were darkies around, and would speak their minds
freely. When I had been there a few hours, I
had obtained the very information which I had
been sent for. I had heard the plan of the mor
row discussed, the number of troops at several
important points, and the number expected to ar
rive during the night ; and this, too, from the lips
of the commanding general and his staff.
The rebel lines were guarded so strongly and
so faithfully, that I did not dare to return that
night, but waited anxiously for the dawn of the
morrow.
Early on the following morning, while assisting
the cook to carry in breakfast, I removed a coat
from a camp-stool which stood in my way, and a
number of papers fell from its pockets, which I
instantly transferred to my own. I then hurried
my arrangements in the tent, lest the documents
should be missed before I could make my escape.
Breakfast was announced, and I suddenly disap
peared.
Going toward the picket line nearest the Fed
erals, and seeing an old house in the distance, I
went and hid myself in the cellar. Soon, firing
commenced in different directions, and grew hotter
and hotter, until the shot and shell began to shake
the old house in which I had taken refuge, and
by and by it came tumbling down around me. A
264 ESCAPE TO THE FEDERAL LINES.
part of the floor was broken clown, but still I re
mained unharmed, and did not attempt to leave
the ruins. I remembered that good old Elijah
remained in the cave during the tempest, the
earthquake and the fire, and afterward came the
still small voice. So I waited patiently for the
still small voice, and felt secure ; knowing that
the Lord was a sure refuge, and could protect me
there as well as in a drawing-room in the quiet
city.
It was not long before deliverance came, and
the rebels were obliged to fall back and take a
new position. When the firing ceased, I was
safely within the Federal lines. I went immedi
ately to headquarters, and reported myself as hav
ing just returned from rebel dom ; gave a brief
relation of my experience, and delivered the docu
ments which I had brought from rebel headquar
ters. These proved to be orders intended for the
different corps commanders, with instructions how
and when to move, so as to act in concert with
the entire plan of the morrow, and insure the cap
ture of Washington.
During those battles and skirmishes of Pope's
memorable campaign, I visited the rebel generals
three times at their own camp-fires, within a period
of ten days, and came away with valuable informa
tion, unsuspected and unmolested.
While the second battle of Bull Run was in pro
gress, I was a part of the time with the Confeder-
KEARNEY KILLED. 265
ates, and then back again to the Federals, having
made my escape while the battle raged most
fiercely by concealing myself in a ravine, and
watching until the rebels charged upon a battery.
While they were engaged in a hand-to-hand fight,
I escaped unobserved by friend or foe.
The last of these visits was made the night be
fore the battle of Chentilla, in which the brave
Kearney was killed. I was within a few rods of
him when he fell, and was in the act of returning
to the Union camp under cover of the extreme
darkness of that never-to-be-forgotten night. I
saw him ride up to the line, but supposed him to
be a rebel officer until the pickets fired at him, and
even then I thought they had fired at me, until I
saw him fall from his horse, and heard their ex
clamations of joy when they discovered who he
was ; for the one-armed general was known through
out both armies for his bravery and brilliant ca
reer, and the name of Kearney had become a word
of terror to the rebels.
When I learned who was their victim, I regret-
ed that it had not been me instead of him, whom
they had discovered and shot. I would willingly
have died to save such a general to the Union
army. But he was taken, while I, poor insignifi
cant creature, was left; but left with a heart and
soul as fully devoted to the Union cause as Kear
ney's was ; only lacking the ability to accomplish
the same results.
266 BURYING A PICKET.
I lost no time in making good my escape, while
the attention of the pickets were drawn in another
direction. When I came to our lines, I found it
almost as difficult to get through as I had found
it on the other side. The night was so dark I
could not make any sign by which the pickets
could recognize me, and I was in the depths of
the forest, where the rustling of the leaves and the
crackling of dry branches under my feet betrayed
my foot-steps as I went along. However, after
crawling up pretty close to the line^ and getting
behind a tree to screen me from the bullets, if they
should fire, I managed to make myself understood.
The picket said : " All right," and I passed through
in safety.
Coming within the lines, I saw a group of men
kneelin^on the ground digging a grave with their
bayonets, with the least possible noise ; for the
picket lines were within half musket shot of each
*>ther. One of their comrades had been killed,
and they were thus preparing his last resting-place.
They buried him darkly at dead of night,
The turf with their bayonets turning.
But there were no "struggling moonbeams," or
glimmering stars, to shed a ray of light upon the
midnight gloom of that solitary funeral — naught
save the vivid flashes of lurid flame which the
lightning cast upon the sad scene, lighting up for
% moment the surrounding forest, and then dying
away, leaving the darkness more intolerable.
MR. NEGATIVE. 267
We may well say of such as die at their post :
Sweet be the death of those
Who for their country die ;
Sleep on her bosom for repose,
And triumph where they lie.
After reaching headquarters and donning an
other costume, I was dispatched to Washington
with official documents to McClellan, who was
now in command of the defenses of the Capital,
and had control of all the troops who came
streaming in from the disastrous battle-field. I
arrived in the city just as the morning light was
breaking, drenched from head to foot, and looking
as if mud was my native element.
Making my way to where I supposed headquar
ters to be, I saw an important looking individual
near by, whom I addressed, and inquired if he
could tell me where General McClellan was to be
found? " No, I can not," Could he tell me when
he was expected at headquarters? uNo." Was
there any person there of whom I could inquire ?
"Not a person." Did he know of any place where
the necessary information could be obtained ? ' ' Not
a place." Could he make any suggestion, or throw
the least ray of light upon the subject, which
might lead to the whereabouts of the general ?
"Not the slightest."
Turning away in disgust, I said to the man,
;c Well, good-by, Mr. Negative. I hope the effort
which you have made to assist me will not injure
268 MC CLELLAN AND POPE.
you men tally or physically;" and so saying I rode
away, feeling that if I was as big as he imagined
himself, and as strong as he was indifferent, I
would give him a vigorous shaking before leaving
him.
I went next to General H.'s headquarters. No
one there could tell me anything more definite than
that the general had been gone all night, carrying
out General Halleck's orders and making the best
possible disposition of the troops as fast as they
came in, for the whole army was now in full re
treat. After two hours search I found him, de
livered the despatches, and returned to Washing
ton, where I remained until the next day, being
completely tired out, not having had a night's
sleep for five nights previous.
On the first of September, General McClellan
had an interview with the President, who request
ed him to use all his influence with the Army of
the Potomac to insure its hearty co-operation with
General Pope's army. In compliance with the
President's request, McClellan sent the following
despatch to General Porter: "I ask of you, for
my sake, that of the country, and the old Army
of the Potomac, that you and all my friends will
lend the fullest and most cordial co-operation to
General Pope in all the operations now going on.
The destinies of our country, the honor of our
arms, are at stake, and all depends upon the
cheerful co-operation of all in the field. This
THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 269
week is the crisis of our fate. Say the same thing
to my friends in the Army of the Potomac, and
that the last request I have to make of them is,
that, for their country's sake, they will extend to
General Pope the same support they ever have
to me."
Immediately after this followed the brilliant and
triumphant victories at South Mountain and Antie
tam, which more than counterbalanced the disas
trous campaign of Pope, and which sent a thrill of
joy throughout the North.
But in this, as in -most other instances of
earthly bliss, the joy was not unmixed with sor
row — sorrow for the noble dead and wounded
upon those bloody fields. At the memorable bat
tle of Antietam there wore nearly two hundred
thousand men and five hundred pieces of artillery
engaged during a period of fourteen hours with
out cessation ; and at its termination two thousand
seven hundred of the enemy's dead lay upon the
field. The report of the Federal general in com
mand says: ''Thirteen guns, thirty-nine colors,
upwards of fifteen thousand stand of small arms,
and more than six thousand prisoners, were the
trophies which attest the success 01 our army in
the battles of South Mountain, Crampton's Gap,
and Antietam. Not a single gun or color was lost
by our army during these battles."
At the close of the battle I stood by the side of
a dying officer of one of the Massachusetts regi-
270 TOUCHING DEATH-SCENE.
ments, who had passed through the thickest of the
fight unhurt, but just at the close of the battle he
was struck by a random shot which wounded him
mortally. As he lay there, conscious of approach
ing death, the musicians of the regiment happened
to pass by. He requested that they might be
asked to play the " Star-Spangled Banner." They
cheerfully complied with the dying man's request,
and while they played the grand old tune his
countenance beamed with joy. He inquired the
result of the battle, and when told that it was a
victory he exclaimed — " Oh ! it is glorious to die
for one's country at such a time as this ! " Then
turning to the chaplain he spoke in the most af
fecting manner ; he said his trust was in the Re
deemer; then he sent loving messages to his
mother and friends at home. The chaplain read
some comforting passages of Scripture and prayed
with him, and soon after the happy spirit passed
away.
Some one very appropriately says: "When
such sacrifices are laid upon the altar of our coun
try, we have surely new incentives to uphold the
cause for which they are made, and, with God's
help, not to allow the treason which has slain so
many victims, to accomplish its purpose. And,
through this bloody baptism, shall not our nation
be purified at length, and fitted to act a nobler
part in the world's history ? " God grant it.
In passing among the wounded after they had
AN INTERESTING PATIENT. 271
been carried from the field, my attention was at
tracted by the pale, sweet face of a youthful sol
dier who was severely wounded in the neck. The
wound still bled profusely, and the boy was grow
ing faint from loss of blood. I stooped down and
asked him if there was anything he would like to
have done for him. The soldier turned a pair of
beautiful, clear, intelligent eyes upon me for a
moment in an earnest gaze, and then, as if satisfied
with the scrutiny, said faintly : " Yes, yes ; there
is something to be done, and that quickly, for I
am dying."
Something in the tone and voice made me look
more closely at the face of the speaker, and that
look satisfied me that my suspicion was well found
ed. I went to one of the surgeons in attendance,
and requested him to come and see my patient.
He did so, and after a moment's examination of
the wound told me that nothing could be done
whatever to save him. He then left me, and I
administered a little brandy and water to strength
en the wounded boy, for he evidently wished to
tell me something that was on his mind before he
died. The little trembling hand beckoned me
closer, and I knelt down beside him and bent my
head until it touched the golden locks on the pale
brow before me ; I listened with breathless atten-
tention to catch every sound which fell from those
dying lips, the substance of which was as follows :
" I can trust you, and will tell you a secret. I
272 A FEMALE SOLDIER.
am not what I seem, but am a female. I enlisted
from the purest motives, and have remained un
discovered and unsuspected. I have neither fath
er, mother nor sister. My only brother was killed
to-day. ; I closed his eyes about an hour before I
was wounded. I shall soon be with him. I am a
Christian, and have maintained the Christian charac
ter ever since I entered the army. I have performed
the duties of a soldier faithfully, and am willing to
die for the cause of truth and freedom. My trust
is in God, and I die in peace. I wish you to bury
me with your own hands, that none may know
after my death that I am other than my appear
ance indicates." Then looking at me again in
that earnest, scrutinizing manner, she said: UI
know I can trust you — you will do as I have
requested ? "
I assured her that she might place implicit con
fidence in me, and that I would do as she had de
sired me. Then I sought out a chaplain, who
came and prayed with her. She was calm and
peaceful. I remained with her until she died,
which was about an hour. Then making a grave
for her under the shadow of a mulberry tree
near the battle-field, apart from all others, with
the assistance of two of the boys who were de
tailed to bury the dead, I carried her remains to
that lonely spot and gave her a soldier's burial,
without coffin or shroud, only a blanket for a
winding-sheet. There she sleeps in that beautiful
AFTER ANTIETAM. 273
forest where the soft sou them breezes sigh mourn,
fully through the foliage, and the little birds sing
sweetly above her grave.
Her race is run. In Southern clime
She rests among the brave ;
Where perfumed blossoms gently fall,
Like tears, around her grave.
No loving friends are near to weep
Or plant bright flowers there ;
But birdlings chant a requiem sweet,
And strangers breathe a prayer.
She sleeps in peace ; yes, sweetly sleepy
Her sorrows all are o'er ;
With her the storms of life are past:
She 's found the heavenly shore.
CHAPTER XXL
AJTER ANTIETAM SURGEONS ON THE FIELD THE HOSPITALS — >
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL DWIGHT MORTALLY WOUNDED A BRU
TAL SURGEON A WOUNDED CAPTAIN AGONY FROM THIRST
CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS PRAYING AND FIGHTING FOPS ON
THE FIELD A REBEL PROGRAMME — PENNSYLVANIA TO BE.
STRIPPED CAMP LIFE — DAILY ROUTINE BURIAL SERVICES.
AFTER the battle of Antietam, one of the
chaplains who was on the field paid a fitting
tribute to the colonel commanding the regiment to
which he belonged, and vividly described many
scenes that came under my own observation on
that day, he says :
" How faithfully many a surgeon labored ! Our
18
274 THE HOSPITALS.
own assistant surgeon was a hero ; regardless of
bullets in the hottest fire, he kept coolly on in his
work, while near by Dr. Kendall, of the Twelfth
Massachusetts, was killed. The nearest hospital,
that of our own corps, was necessarily in range of
the enemy's shell, which every now and then fell
around and beyond. Near by were five other
hospitals, all for one wing. Here were generals
and privates brought together. General Mansfield
I saw dying, and a few feet off, an unknown pri
vate; General Hartsuff badly wounded, and by
his side a throng of others now on the same level.
There is no distinction as to what body or soul
needs then.
U0ur own regiment helped to fill these hospi
tals. Our gallant dead are remembered with all
the other dead of Massachusetts. But one we
lost, hard to replace : Our brilliant, brave, gener
ous, kind-hearted Lieut. -Colon el Wilder D wight,
shot mortally, but living two days. Of wonderful
promise at home, cheerful, resigned, strong in
faith and trust, ready to die ; his only wish being
to see his father and mother. While lying in the
garden, moved only on a stretcher, he sent our
own surgeon to relieve the wounded who were
lying all around, the surgeons being occupied in
amputating limbs of men in the hospitals ; and
again and again sent water provided for himself to
the poor fellows calling for it. Yet Colonel D wight
was not free from brutal insolence. While waiting
A BRUTAL SURGEON. 275
there in the night for an ambulance in which to
place him, only for shelter, suddenly a harsh voice
insisted on turning him out with all our men.
"I found a pompous little surgeon angry and
furious. I informed him why the men were there,
assured him of their good behavior, and requested
permission for them to remain as we were Momen
tarily expecting the ambulance. It was all in
vain. Colonel Dwight himself was treated most
harshly, although of higher rank than the brute
himself; and notwithstanding I told the surgeon he
was mortally wounded, he ordered the guard to
turn them out at the point of the bayonet, and to
prevent their return even to remove Colonel
Dwight; refusing to tell his rank and even his
name, until I obtained it of another party. The
men were driven away while actually giving water
to the wounded who had been calling in vain for
help. I assured him I would take care that his
conduct was made known, knowing from several
scenes I had witnessed that day that he was, from
brutality, pomposity and harshness, utterly unfit to
be in charge of wounded men, and from gross dis
respect to an officer higher in rank, unfit to be in
the army. This fellow was a medical director in
General Reynolds' corps, Pennsylvania Reserves,"
and the writer adds, " too good a corps to have
such a fellow among them."
The ordinary scene which presents itself after
the strife of arms has ceased, is familiar to every
276 AGONY FROM THIRST.
one. Heaps of slain, where friend and foe lie side
by side, mangled bodies, shrieks and groans of the
Wounded and dying, are things which we always
associate with the victories and defeats of war.
But we seldom expect or hear of songs of praise
and shouts of triumph from dying lips on the
dreadful battle-field. The following account was
received from the lips of a brave and pious cap
tain in one of the Western regiments, as some
friends were conveying him to a hospital from
the battle-field:
" The man had been shot through both thighs
with a rifle bullet ; it was a wound from which he
could not recover. While lying on the field he
suffered intense agony from thirst. He supported
his head upon his hand, and the rain from heaven
was falling around him. In a short time a little
pool of water collected near his elbow, and he
thought if he could reach that spot he might allay
his raging thirst. He tried to • get into a position
which would enable him to obtain a mouthful of
the muddy water, but in vain ; and he must suffer
the torture of seeing the means of relief within
sight, while all his efforts were unavailing.
" ' Never,' said he, c did I feel so much the loss
of any earthly blessing. By and by the shades of
night fell around us, and the stars shone out clear
and beautiful above the dark field, where so many
others lay wounded, writhing in pain or faint from
loss of blood. Thus situated, I began to think of
CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS. 277
the great God who had given His son to die a
death of agony for me, and that He was in the
heavens to which my eyes were turned ; that He
was there above that scene of suffering and above
those glorious stars ; and I felt that I was hasten
ing home to meet Him, and praise Him there. I
felt that I ought to praise Him then, even wound
ed as I was, on the battle-field. I could not help
singing that beautiful hymn —
" ' When I can read my title clear
To mansions in the skies,
I'll bid farewell to every fear,
And wipe my weeping eyes.'
" i And though I was not aware of it till then/ "
he continued, "'it proved there was a Christian
brother in the thicket near me. I could not see
him, but was near enough to hear him. He took
up the strain from me, and beyond him another,
and another, caught the words, and made them
resound far and wide over the terrible battle-field.
There was a peculiar echo in the place, and that
added to the effect, as we made the night vocal
with our hymns of praise to God.'"
The presence of such men in the army, animated
by faith in God, and conscious of Serving Him in
serving their country, adds materially to its ele
ments of strength and success. "The religious
element has always been acknowledged as a great
power in military success. The more intelligent
that principle is, the more efficient it must be in
278 PRAYING AND FIGHTING.
securing this result. There is every reason, natu
ral as well as rational, why those who hold their
lives in their hand should acknowledge the God
of battle, and pray for themselves and their coun
try in the midst of danger. The simplest expres
sion of the relations of praying and fighting was,
perhaps, the blunt order of the puritan chief, uPut
your trust in God, and keep your powder dry."
Cromwell and his praying puritans were danger
ous men to meet in battle. u The sword of the
Lord and of Gideon was exceeding sharp, tem
pered as it was by hourly prayers." Who can but
admire the sublime spectacle which Gustavus Adol-
phus and his vast army presented on the eve of
the battle of Lutzen, in which the King fell, pray
ing on bended knees, and then chanting :
Be of good cheer ; your cause belongs
To Him who can avenge your wrongs ;
Leave it to Him our Lord.
The King fell, but the battle was gloriously won.
uAnd so," says a writer upon this subject, "un
less we are untrue to our better nature, it must
ever be. Before going into battle, the foolish,
wicked oath is silent. With the bracing of the
nerves for the shock of battle, there goes up a
silent prayer for strength, and valor and deliver
ance. The wounded pray to be saved from death ;
the dying recall the words of old petitions learned
in childhood, and in those broken accents commit
their souls to God."
FOPS ON THE FIELD. 279
The only amusing incident after a battle is, the
crowd of spectators from Washington and other
places. If they are in carriages, their vehicles are
sure to get smashed, and then the trouble arises,
what are they to do with their baggage ? Carry
it, of course, or leave it behind. Even the wound
ed soldiers cannot help laughing at their sorry
plight, gesticulations, and absurd questions.
Among all this class of individuals, there are
none to be compared with government clerks for
importance and absurdity. On one of these occa
sions I remember of a number of those pompous
creatures being distressed beyond measure, be
cause they could not return to Washington on a
train which was crowded beyond description with
the wounded. After the cars moved off there they
stood gazing after it in the most disconsolate man
ner. Said one, "I came out here by invitation
of the Secretary of War, and now I must return
on foot, or remain here." One of the soldiers con
temptuously surveyed him from head to foot, as
he stood there with kid gloves, white bosom, stand
ing collar, etc., in all the glory and finery of a
brainless fop, starched up for display. u Well,"
said the soldier, " we don't know any such indi
vidual as the Secretary of War out here, but I
guess we can find you something to do ; perhaps
you would take a fancy to one of these muskets,"
laying his hand on a pile beside him.
The clerk turned away in disgust, and disdain-
280 A REBEL PROGRAMME.
ing to reply to the soldier, he inquired, "But
where shall I sleep to-night ? " The soldier re
plied, " Just where you please, chummy ; there is
lots of room all around here," pointing to a spot
of ground which was not occupied by the wound
ed. A chaplain stepped up to him, and said: ulf
you wish to sleep, there is some hay you can
have ; " and went on to give him a brief lecture
upon the impropriety of a young man, in perfect
health, just fresh from the city, talking about com
fortable lodgings, and a place to sleep, when so
many wounded and dying lay all around him. He
was horrified, and disappeared immediately.
Before the rebels attempted to cross into Mary
land in force, the Richmond papers were full of
editorials, of which the following is a specimen :
" Let not a blade of grass, or a stalk of corn, or
a barrel of flour, or a bushel of meal, or a sack of
salt, or a horse, or a cow, or a hog, or a sheep, be
left wherever the Confederate troops move along.
Let vengeance be taken for all that has been done,
until retribution itself shall stand aghast. This is
the country of the would-be-gentleman, McClellan.
He has caused a loss to us, in Virginia, of at least
thirty thousand negroes, the most valuable prop
erty that a Virginian can own. They have no
negroes in Pennsylvania. Retaliation, therefore,
must fall upon something else. A Dutch far
mer has no negroes, but he has horses that
can be seized, grain that can be confiscated,
CAMP LIFE. 281
cattle that can be killed, and houses that can be
burned."
But when they really attempted to accomplish
these feats, and found with whom they had to con
tend, they were very glad to re-cross the Potomac,
without confiscating property or burning houses,
and to escape, leaving their dead and wounded on
the field.
After the battle of Antietam, the army was not
in a condition to follow up the rebels ; but as soon
as the Capital was safe, and the rebels were driven
from Maryland and Pennsylvania, vigorous efforts
were made to recruit, clothe, and reorganize the
army. Harper's Ferry was again occupied, every
weak point strengthened, and all the fords were
strongly guarded. While the army thus remained
inactive for a few weeks, camp duties and disci
pline were again strictly enforced and attended to.
I would not have my readers think that camp-
life in the army is so very unpleasant, after all. I
do not think so, for I have spent some of the
pleasantest, happiest hours of my life in camp, and
I think thousands can give the same testimony.
One of our good chaplains from the North says
that even the city of New York itself can bear no
favorable comparison to military life in the Army
of the Potomac. "After all," he says: "New
York is a humbug compared with the army. It
is tattoo, as I write ; what music it is, compared
with the nuisance noises of those city streets!
282 DAILY ROUTINE.
Our candles are not brilliant ; but the sight of the
lights of the camps all around, is more pleasant
than the glare of the city gas. The air is the pure
air of heaven, not the choky stuff of the metropo
lis. The men are doing something noble, not
dawdling away these glorious days in selling tape
and ribbons. The soldier lives to some purpose,
and if he dies it is a hero's death. The silks of
that wealthy mart may be coveted by some ; but
what are the whole to our bullet-riddled old flag,
which passed from the stiffening hands of one color-
bearer to another, in the days of many a battle ? "
To give my reader a more definite idea of the
routine of camp life, I will enter into a detail of
it more fully. At sunrise reveille beats, drum
echoing to drum until the entire encampment is
astir, and busy as a bee-hive. Roll-call immedi
ately follows, which brings every man to his place
in the ranks, to answer to his name. An hour
later breakfast call is sounded by fife and drum,
and the company cooks, who are detailed for that
purpose, deal out the rations to the men as they
sit or stand around the cook's quarters.
At half-past seven o'clock sick call announces
to surgeons and patients that they are expected
to appear at the dispensing tent — if able to go
there. Then comes a general examination of
tongues and pulses, and a liberal distribution of
quinine and blue pills, and sometimes a little eau
de vie, to wash down the bitter drugs.
MEETINGS, ETC. 283
Guard mounting at eight, which is an imposing
affair in itself. The band marches to the usual
place of dress parade and strikes up some appro
priate piece, which is the signal for the regimental
details to march to the place of inspection. The
line is formed, arms inspected, and general ap
pearance noted. Then the men are marched in
review, and divided into three reliefs — one of
which is marched to the post of each sentinel,
where, after various important conferences, the old
sentinel is relieved and the new one takes his
place, and so on around the whole camp. The
old guard is then marched to their quarters and
formally dismissed, having been on duty two hours
out of every six during the last twenty-four hours.
At nine o'clock the music sounds for company
drill, which drill lasts an hour and a half. The
bugle announces dinner at one o'clock.
At three in the afternoon battalion drill com
mences, which occupies an hour. At half-past
four is heard the first call for evening parade, and
at five o'clock comes off the great display of the
day — dress parade.
Supper at six, tattoo at half past eight, and roll-
call again at nine ; immediately after which comes
"taps" on the drum, which means "lights out."
But between all these calls drills and parades
are more interesting services and duties. Away
in one corner of the camp is our canvas or log
meeting-house, and besides our regular preaching,
284 A SOLDIER'S BURIAL.
we have conference and prayer meetings, debating
clubs, military lectures, and numerous musical en
tertainments.
Then, too, comes visiting the sick in different
hospitals, distribution of reading matter and deli
cacies, and the blessed privilege of religious con
versation. And often the solemn services in
connection with burying the dead. I will here
give a brief description of this service :
The burial of a soldier in camp is a most solemn
scene. A suitable escort is formed in two ranks
opposite the tent of the deceased, with shouldered
arms and bayonets unfixed. On the appearance
of the coffin the soldiers present arms. The pro
cession then forms — on each side of the coffin are
the pall-bearers without muskets — and the escort
moves forward with arms reversed, viz. : musket
under the left arm, barrel downward, and steadied
behind the back with the right hand. The band
marches in front, with slow and measured tread
and muffled drum they move, pouring out their
melancholy wailings for the dead — a sadder dirge
than which never fell upon mortal ear.
On reaching the place of interment the coffin is
lowered into the grave, the soldiers leaning upon
their muskets, muzzle downward, the hands clasped
upon the butt of their guns, with heads uncov
ered and reverently bowed upon their hands. The
chaplain, who has walked in the rear of the pro
cession, conducts the burial service, at the end of
WARRIOR'S DIRGE. 285
which three volleys are fired over the grave, the
trench is filled up, and the soldiers return to duty.
Warrior, rest ! thy toils are ended :
Life's last fearful strife is o'er;
Clarion-calls, with death-notes blended,
Shall disturb thine ear no more !
Peaceful is thy dreamless slumber ;
Peaceful, but how cold and stern !
Thou hast joined that silent number
In the land whence none return I
Warrior, rest! thy banner o'erthee
Hangs in many a drooping fold ;
Many a manly cheek before thee
Stain'd with tear-drops we behold\
Thine was not a hand to falter
When thy sword should leave its sheath:
Thine was not a cheek to alter,
Though thy duty led to death I
Warrior, rest ! a dirge is knelling
Solemnly from shore to shore :
'T is a nation's tribute, telling
That a patriot is no more !
And thy young bride weeps in sorrow
That no more she hears thy tread ;
That the night which knows no morrow
Darkly veils thy laurel'd head !
Warrior, rest ! we smooth thy pillow,
For thy last, long earthly sleep ;
And beneath yon verdant willow
Storms unheard will o'er thee sweep !
There, 'tis done! thy couch awaits thee!
Softly down thy head we lay ;
Here repose, till' GOD translates thee
From the dust to endless day I
CHAPTER XXII.
A MILITARY EXECUTION THE PREPARATIONS THE DEATH
HARPER'S FERRY — OLD JOHN BROWN — CONTRAST — ADVANCE
INTO VIRGINIA CONDITION OF THE ARMY A DREARY RIDE
• A GREEN GUARD SEEKING SHELTER A GUERRILLA FIGHT
MY HORSE KILLED PLAYING POSSUM MY POCKETS PICKED
— -A NARROW ESCAPE RETURN TO CAMP AN INTERESTING
MEETING.
ABOUT this time one of those horrible and
soul-revolting sights, a " military execution,"
took place ; in other words, a soldier was shot in
cold blood by his comrades. I "did not witness the
execution, although it occurred within a short dis
tance of camp, and I give the particulars relating
to it from the record of the chaplain who attended
the unhappy man to the place of execution :
UA painful episode, the first of the kind I have
witnessed, took place last Friday. It was a mili
tary execution. The person thus punished be
longed to the Third Maryland, which is in our
division. On Tuesday last his sentence was for
mally read to him. He was to be shot to death
with musketry on the next Friday, between the
hours of noon and four in the afternoon. He had
learned the decision on the Sunday before. The
day of his execution was wet and gloomy. That
A MILITARY EXECUTION. 287
morning, in the midst of the provost guard, he was
sitting on a bag of grain, leaning against a tree,
while a sentry with fixed bayonet stood behind,
never turning away from him, save as another took
his place. Useless seemed the watch, for arms and
feet had been secured, though not painfully, since
the sentence was read. The captain of the guard
had humanely done all he could, and it was partly
by his request that I was there. A chaplain could
minister where others would not be allowed. The
rain fell silently on him; the hours of his life
were numbered, even the minutes. He was to
meet death, not in the shock and excitement of
battle, not as a martyr for his country, not in
disease, but in full health, and as a criminal. I
have seen many a man die, and have tried to per
form the sacred duties of my station. I never had
so painful a task as this, because of these circum
stances. Willingly, gladly, he conversed, heard
and answered. While such a work is painful, yet
it has its bright side, because of the ' exceeding
great and precious promises' it is one's privilege
to tell.
uWhen the time came for removal to the place
of execution, he entered an ambulance, the chap-
lain accompanying him. Next, in another ambu
lance, was the coffin ; before, behind, and on either
side- a guard. Half a mile of this sad journey
brought him within a short distance of the spot.
Then leaving the ambulance, he walked to the
288 THE DEATH.
place selected. The rain had ceased, the sun was
shining on the dark lines of the whole division
drawn up in three sides of a hollow square. With
guard in front and rear, he passed with steady
step to the open side of the square, accompanied
by the chaplain. There was a grave dug, and
in front of it was his coffin. He sat upon the
coffin ; his feet were reconfined, to allow of which
he lifted them voluntarily, and then his eyes were
bandaged. In front of him the firing party, of two
from each regiment, were then drawn up, half held
in reserve, during which there was still a little
time for words with his chaplain.
uThe General (not McClellan) stood by, and
the Provost Marshal read the sentence and
shook hands with the condemned. Then a pray
er was offered, amid uncovered heads and sol
emn faces. A last hand-shake with the chap
lain, which he had twice requested ; a few words
from him to the chaplain ; a lingering pressure by
the hand of the condemned, his lips moving with
a prayer-sentence which he had been taught, and
on which his thoughts had dwelt before ; and he
was left alone. The word of command was imme
diately given. One volley, and he fell over in
stantly, unconscious. A record of the wounds
were made by the surgeons who immediately ex
amined him. The troops filed by his grave, and
returned by the way they came. He left a mother
and sister, and was twenty years of age."
AT HARPERS FERRY. 289
Soon after I spent a night at Harper's Ferry.
John Brown is still remembered there, and the
soldiers go round singing " His soul goes marching
on." That medley of a song does not seem so
senseless after all, for the spirit of John Brown
does seem to march along wonderfully fast, and
our troops are becoming imbued with it to a great
er extent than is generally supposed.
I also visited the court-house, where public ser
vice was held by a Massachusetts chaplain in the
very room where John Brown was tried, convicted
and sentenced. There was the spot where he had
lain upon his litter. There in front of the judge's
platform were the juror's seats. The chair which
the judge had occupied was now tenanted by an
abolition preacher. Oh! if old John Brown had
only lived to see that day ! but he is gone, and
His soul goes marching on.
On the 25th of October, the pontoon bridges
being completed at Harper's Ferry and at Berlin,
the army once more advanced into Virginia, The
ninth corps and Pleasanton's cavalry occupied
Lovettsville, a pretty little village reminding one
of New England. The army was now in admira
ble condition and fine spirits, and enjoyed this
march exceedingly, scarcely a man dropping out
of the ranks for any cause whatever, but entering
into the spirit of the campaign with an energy
which surpassed all their former enthusiasm. As
the army marched rapidly over the country from.
290 ADVANCE INTO VIRGINIA.
village to village, the advance guard driving the
enemy's pickets from one covert to another, many
thrilling adventures occurred, several of which
came under my own observation, and as I am ex
pected particularly to relate those in which I was
personally concerned, I will here relate one which
came very near being my last on this side the
" river."
On the morning of the third day after we left
Lovettsville I was sent back to headquarters,
which was said to be some twelve miles in the
rear. I was then with the advance guard, and
when they started forward at daylight I went to
the rear. In order to go more quickly I left all
my traps in an ambulance — blankets, overcoat
and grain, excepting enough to feed once. Then
starting at a brisk canter I soon lost sight of the
advancing column. I rode on mile after mile, and
passed train after train, but could find no one
that could tell me where McClellan's headquarters
were.
On I went in this way until noon, and then
found that I was six miles from headquarters.
After riding a distance which seemed to me all of
ten miles, I at length found the place sought for.
I fed my horse, attended to the business which I
had been sent to transact, and then tried to find
something in the way of rations for myself, but
failed utterly. Not a mouthful could I procure
either at the sutler's headquarters, cook-house, or
A DREARY RIDE. 201
in any other place. I went to two houses and
they told me they had not a mouthful in the
house cooked or uncooked — but of course I be
lieved as much of that story as I pleased.
The day had been very cold ; there had been
several smart showers during my ride, and now it
began to snow — a sort of sleet which froze as fast
as it fell. This was an October day in Old Vir
ginia. Oh ! what an afternoon I spent in the sad
dle on my return ; hungry, wet, and shivering with
cold. I traveled as fast as my horse was able to
go until ten o'clock at night, with the hope of
overtaking the troops I had left in the morning,
but all in vain, for the whole line of march and
programme for the day had been changed, in con
sequence of coming in contact with the enemy and
having a sharp skirmish, which resulted in our
troops being nearly outflanked and cut off from
the main body of the arrny.
Of course I had no opportunity of knowing this
that night, so on I went in another direction from
that in which the advance guard had gone. By
and by I came to some fresh troops just from the
North, who had lately enlisted and been sent down
to Washington, and now were on their way to
join McClellan's army. They had been put on
guard duty for the first time, and that too without
any definite orders, their officers having concluded
to remain there until the main column came up,
and they scarcely knew where they were or what
292 A GREEN GUARD.
orders to give their men. As I rode up, one of the
boys — for if boy he was, not more than six
teen summers had graced his youthful brow-
stepped out in the middle of the road with his
musket at a u trail arms," and there he stood till I
came up close to him, and then he did not even
say " halt," but quietly told me that I could not go
any farther in that direction. Why not ? Well,
he didn't exactly know, but he was put there on
guard, and he supposed it was to prevent any one
from going backward or forward. Whether they
have the countersign or not? Well, he did not
know how that was. I then asked him if the officer
of the guard had given him the countersign. Yes,
but he did not know whether it was right or not.
"Well," said I, "perhaps I can tell you
whether it is correct ; I have just come from
headquarters." He seemed to think that there
could be no harm in telling me if I had been at
headquarters, so he told me without any hesitation.
Whereupon I proceeded to tell him of the impro
priety of doing so ; that it was a military offense
for which he could be punished severely; and
that he had no right to give the countersign to
any one, not even the general in command. Then
told him how to hold his musket when he chal
lenged any one on his beat, and within how many
paces to let them approach him before halting
them, etc. The boy received both lecture and in
structions "in the spirit of meekness," and by the
SEEKING SHELTER. 293
time I had finished a number of the men were
standing around me eager to ask questions, and
especially if I knew to what portion of the army
that particular regiment was to be assigned.
After passing along through these green troops
I rode on till I came to a little village, which I
never learned the name of, and intended to stop
there the remainder of the night ; but upon learn
ing that a band of guerrillas occupied it, I turned
aside, preferring to seek some other place of rest.
I traveled till two o'clock in the morning, when
my horse began to show signs of giving out ; then
I stopped at a farm-house, but not being able to
make any one hear me, I hitched my horse under
cover of a wood-shed, and taking the blanket from
under the saddle, I lay down beside him, the sad
dle-blanket being my only covering. The storm
had ceased, but the night was intensely cold, arid
the snow was about two or three inches deep. I
shall always believe that I would have perished
that night, had not my faithful horse lain down
beside me, and by the heat of his beautiful head,
which he laid across my shoulders, (a thing which
he always did whenever I lay down where he could
reach me,) kept me from perishing in my wet
clothes.
It^ will be remembered that I had started at
daylight the previous morning, and had never
been out of the saddle, or fed my horse but once
since I started, and had not eaten a mouthful my-
294 A GUERRILLA FIGHT.
self for twenty-four hours, and had ridden all day
and almost all night in the storm. In the morning
my feet and hands were so chilled that they were
perfectly numb, and I could scarcely stand. How
ever, as soon as daylight came I started again.
About a mile from there I went into a field where
the unhusked corn stood in stacks, and fed my
horse.
While employed in this manner, there came
along a party of our cavalry looking after that band
of guerrillas which I had passed the night before.
It was known that they were in the neighborhood,
and these men were sent out in search of them.
I told them what I knew about it, and intimated
that if I were not so hungry, I would go back with
them to the village. That objection was soon re
moved, by supplying me with a substantial break
fast from their haversacks. We started for the
village, and had gone about five miles when we
were suddenly surprised and fired upon by the
guerrillas. Two of our men were killed on the
spot, and my horse received three bullets. He
reared and plunged before he fell, and in doing so
the saddle-girth was broken, and saddle and rider
were thrown over his head. I was thrown on the
ground violently which stunned me for a moment,
and my horse soon fell beside me, his blood pour
ing from three wounds. Making a desperate effort
to rise, he groaned once, fell back, and throwing
his neck across my body, he saturated me from
PLAYING POSSUM. 295
head to foot with his blood. He died in a few
minutes. I remained in that position, not daring
to rise, for our party had fled and the rebels pur
sued them. A very few minutes elapsed when
the guerrillas returned, and the first thing I saw
was one of the men thrusting his sabre into one
of the dead men beside me. I was lying partially
on my face, so I closed my eyes and passed for
dead. The rebels evidently thought I was un
worthy of their notice, for after searching the bod
ies of the two dead men they rode away ; but just
as I was making up my mind to crawl out from
under the dead horse, I heard the tramp of a
horse's feet, and lay perfectly still and held my
breath. It was one of the same men, who had re
turned. Dismounting, he came up and took hold
of my feet, and partially drew me from under the
horse's head, and then examined my pockets.
Fortunately, I had no official documents with me,
and very little money — not more than five dollars.
After transferring the contents of my pockets to
his own, he re-mounted his horse and rode away,
without ever suspecting that the object before him
was playing possum.
Not long after the departure of the guerrillas,
our party returned with reinforcements and pur
sued the rebel band. One of the men returned to
camp with me, letting me ride his horse, and walk
ed all the way himself. The guerrillas were cap
tured that day, and, after searching them, my
296 RETURN TO CAMP.
pocket-book was found upon one of them, and
was returned to me with its contents undisturbed.
It lies before me, while I write, reminding me of
that narrow escape, and of the mercy of God in
sparing my unprofitable life.
A Sov'reign Protector I have,
Unseen, yet forever at hand ;
Unchangeably faithful to save, —
Almighty to rule and command.
After returning to camp, I found that I had
sustained more injury by my -fall from the horse
than I had realized at the time. But a broken
limb would have been borne cheerfully, if I could
only have had my pet horse again. That evening
we held our weekly prayer-meeting, notwithstand
ing we were on a march. Chaplain and Mrs. B.,
Nellie, and Dr. E. were present, and joined hear
tily in singing the following hymn :
And are we yet alive,
And see each other's face ?
Glory and praise to Jesus give,
For His redeeming grace.
Preserved by power divine
To full salvation here,
Again in Jesus' praise we join,
And in his sight appear.
What troubles have we seen !
What conflicts have we past I
Fightings without, and fears within,
Since we assembled last 1
But out of all the Lord
Hath brought us by His love ;
And still he doth his help afford,
And hides our life above.
CHAPTER XXIII.
MC CLELLAN RELIEVED— HIS ADDRESS— BURNSIDE IN COMMAND
—ON THE MARCH— FALMOUTH— MY RIDE— OLD BATTLEFIELDS
— SAD SIGHTS — "YANKEE SKULLS "—"BONE ORNAMENTS"
SHELLING FREDERICKSBURG PONTOON BRIDGES OCCUPATION
OF THE CITY— AIDE-DE-CAMP— DREADFUL SLAUGHTER— A GAL
LANT MAJOR— STRANGE SIGHTS— DARK NIGHT— DEATH OF
GENERAL BAYARD— SOMEONE'S PET— RECROSSING THE RAP-
PAH ANNO CK.
AFTER reaching Warrenton the army en
camped in that vicinity for a few days—
during which "Father Abraham" took the favor
able opportunity of relieving the idol of the Army
of the Potomac from his command, and ordered
him to report at Trenton, New Jersey, just as he
was entering upon another campaign, with his'
army in splendid condition.
After a brief address and an affecting farewell to
officers and men, he hastened to comply with the
order. His farewell address was as follows :
'November 7th, 1862. Officers and Soldiers
of the Army of the Potomac : An order of the
President devolves upon Major-General Burnside
the command of this army. In parting from you
I cannot express the love and gratitude I bear
you. As an army you have grown up under my
298 MCCLELLAN RELIEVED.
care. In you I have never found doubt or cold
ness. The battles you have fought under my
command will proudly live in our nation's his
tory. The glory you have achieved, our mu
tual perils and fatigues, the graves of our com
rades fallen in battle and by disease, the broken
forms of those whom wounds and sickness have
disabled — the strongest associations which can
exist among men — unite us still by an indissoluble
tie. We shall ever be comrades in supporting the
constitution of our country and the nationality of
its people."
That was a sad day for the Army of the Potomac.
The new commander marched the army imme
diately to Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg. Of
the incidents of that march I know nothing, for I
went to Washington, and from thence to Aquia
Creek by water.
I did not return to Washington on the cars, but
rode on horseback, and made a two days' trip of
it, visiting all the old places as I went. The bat
tle-ground of the first and second Bull Run battles,
Centerville, Fairfax Court House, and Chentilla.
But how shall I describe the sights which I saw
and the impressions which I had as I rode over
those fields ! There were men and horses thrown
together in heaps, and some clay thrown on them
above ground ; others lay where they had fallen,
their limbs bleaching in the sun without the ap
pearance of burial.
SAD SIGHTS. 299
There was one in particular — a cavalryman : he
and his horse both lay together, nothing but the
bones and clothing remained ; but one of his arms
stood straight up, or rather the bones and the
coatsleeve, his hand had dropped off at the wrist
and lay on the ground ; not a finger or joint was
separated, but the hand was perfect. I dismount
ed twice for the purpose of bringing away that
hand, but did not do so after all. I would have
done so if it had been possible to find a clue to
his name or regiment.
The few families who still live in that vicinity
tell horrid stories of the brutal conduct of the re
bels after those battles.
A Southern clergyman declares that in the
town where he now resides he saw rebel soldiers
selling "Yankee skulls" at ten dollars apiece.
And it is a common thing to see rebel women
wear rings and ornaments made of our soldiers'
bones — in fact they boast of it, even to the Union
soldiers, that they have " Yankee bone ornaments."
This to me was a far more sickening sight than
was presented at the time of the battles, with dead
and wounded lying in their gore. I looked in
vain for the old "brush heap" which had once
screened me from the rebel cavalry ; the fire had
consumed it. But the remains of the Stone Church
at Centerville was an object of deep interest to me.
I went from Washington to Aquia Creek by
steamer, and from thence to Falmouth on horse-
300 ENCAMPED IN THE MUD.
back. I found the army encamped in the mud for
miles along the Rappahannock river.
The river is very narrow between Falmouth and
Fredericksburg, not more than a stone's cast in
some places. I have often seen the pickets on
both sides amusing themselves by throwing stones
across it.
Some writer in describing the picturesque sce
nery in this locality says : " There is a young river
meandering through its center, towards which
slope down beautiful banks of mud on either side,
while the fields are delightfully variegated by al
ternate patches of snow and swamp, and the nu
merous roads are in such condition that no matter
which one you take you are sure to wish you had
tried another instead."
All the mud and bad roads on the Peninsula
could not bear the least comparison with that of
Falmouth and along the Rappahannock.
It was now December and the weather was ex
tremely cold, yet the constant rains kept the roads
in the most terrible state imaginable.
On riding along the brink of the river we could
see distinctly the rebel batteries frowning on the
heights beyond the city of Fredericksburg, and
the rebel sentinels walking their rounds within
talking distance of our own pickets.
On the eleventh the city was shelled by our
troops. The pontoon bridges were laid amid show
ers of bullets from the sharpshooters of the enemy,
THE BATTLE-FIELD. 301
who were ensconced in the houses on the opposite
bank. However, the work went steadily on, not
withstanding that two out of every three who
were engaged in laying the bridges were either
killed or wounded. But as fast as one fell another
took his place.
Soon it was deemed expedient to take care of
those sharpshooters before the bridges could be
finished. Several companies filed into boats and
rowed across in a few minutes, the men of the Sev
enth Michigan leading the van, and drove the
rebels from the houses, killing some and taking
many prisoners.
The bridges were soon completed, the troops
marched over and took possession of the city.
Headquarters were established in the principal
building, and a church and other large buildings
were appropriated for hospital purposes.
The following is an extract from my journal,
written on the battlefield the second day after we
crossed the river :
BATTLE-FIELD, FREDERICKSBURG, YA.,
December 13, 18G2.
In consequence of one of General II. 's staff of
ficers being ill I have volunteered to take his
place, and am now aide-de-camp to General II. I
wish my friends could see me in my present uni
form ! This division will probably charge on the
enemy's works this afternoon. God grant them
success ! While I write the roar of cannon and
r
302 DREADFUL SLAUGHTER.
musketry is almost deafening, and the shot and
shell are falling fast on all sides. This may be
my last entry in this journal. God's will be done.
I commit myself to Him, soul and body. I must
close. General H. has mounted his horse, and
says Come — I
Of course it is not for me to say whose fault it
was in sacrificing those thousands of noble lives
which fell upon that disastrous field, or in charging
again and again upon those terrible stone walls
and fortifications, after being repulsed every time
with more than half their number lying on the
ground. The brave men, nothing daunted by
their thinned ranks, advanced more fiercely on
the foe —
Plunged in the battery's smoke,
Fiercely the line they broke ;
Strong was the saber stroke,
Making an array reel.
But when it was proved to a demonstration that
it was morally impossible to take and retain those
heights, in consequence of the natural advantage
of position which the rebels occupied, and still
would occupy if they should fall back — whose
fault was it that the attempt was made time after
time, until the field was literally piled with dead
and ran red with blood ? We may truly say of
the brave soldiers thus sacrificed — '
Their's not to reason why,
Their's not to make reply,
Their's but to do and die.
A GALLANT MAJOR. 303
Among the many who fell in that dreadful bat
tle perhaps there is none more worthy of notice
than the brave and heroic Major Edward E.
Sturtevant, of Keene, New Hampshire, who fell
while leading the gallant Fifth in a charge
upon the enemy. He was the first man in New
Hampshire who enlisted for the war. He was im
mediately authorized by the Governor to make en
listments for the First New Hampshire Volunteers,
and was eminently successful. He held the com
mission of captain in the First Regiment, and af
terwards was promoted major of the Fifth.
One of the leading papers of his native State
has the following with regard to him: "He was
in every battle where the regiment was engaged,
nine or ten in number, besides skirmishes, and was
slightly wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks. He
commanded the regiment most of the time on the
retreat from the Chickahominy to James river.
The filial affection of the deceased was of the
strongest character, and made manifest in substan
tial ways on many occasions. His death is the
first in the household, and deep is the grief that
is experienced there ; but that grief will doubtless
be mitigated by the consoling circumstance that
the departed son and brother died in a service
that will hallow his memory forever. A braver
man or more faithful friend never yielded up his
spirit amidst the clash of arms and the wail of the
dying."
304 STRANGE SIGHTS.
I well remember the desperate charge which
that brave oiFicer made upon the enemy just before
he fell, and the thinned and bleeding ranks of his
men as they returned, leaving their beloved com
mander on the field, reminded me of the u gallant
six hundred," of whom Tennyson has written the
following lines :
Stormed at with shot and shell,
They that had struck so well
Rode through the jaws of death,
Half a league back again
Up, from the mouth of hell —
All that was left of them.
I have since had the pleasure of becoming ac
quainted with the bereaved family of the deceased,
and deeply sympathize with them in the loss of
one so noble, kind, and brave.
Major Sturtevant was the son of George W.
Sturtevant, Esq., and nephew of Rev. David. Kil-
burn — one of the pioneers of Methodism — whom,
thousands will remember as a faithful and efficient
minister of the Gospel.
During the progress of that battle I saw many
strange sights — although I had been in many a
fierce battle before. I never saw, till then, a man
deliberately shoot himself, with his own pistol, in
order to save the rebels the satisfaction of doing
so, as it would seem.
As one brigade was ordered into line of battle,
I saw an officer take out his pistol and shoot him
self through the side — not mortally, I am sorry to
GENERAL BAYARD. 305
Say, but just sufficient to unfit him for duty; so he
was carried to the rear — he protesting that it was
done by accident.
Another officer I saw there, a young and hand
some lieutenant, disgrace his shoulder-straps by
showing the white feather at the very moment
\vhen he was most needed.
I rode three miles with General H. to General
Franklin's headquarters, the second night we were
at Fredericksburg, and of all the nights that I can
recall to -mind that was the darkest. On our way
we had numerous ditches to leap, various ravines
to cross, and mountains to climb, which can be
better imagined than described. It was not only
once or twice that horse and rider went tumbling
into chasms head first, but frequently.
As we passed along, we stopped at the head
quarters of General Bayard (General of Cavalry) a
few minutes — found him enjoying a cup of coffee-
under a large tree, which constituted his head
quarters. We called again when we returned, but
he was cold in death, having been struck by a
stray shot, and died in a short time. He was
killed just where we had left him, under the tree.
He was a splendid officer, and his removal was a
great loss to the Federal cause. His death cast a
gloom over his whole command which was deeply
felt.
Of the wounded of this battle I can say but lit
tle, for my time was fully occupied in the respon^
306 A BRAVE OFFICER.
sible duties which I had volunteered to perform ;
and so constantly was I employed, that I was not
out of the saddle but once in twelve hours, and
that was to assist an officer of the Seventy-ninth,
who lay writhing in agony on the field, having
been seized with cramps and spasms, and was suf
fering the most extreme pain. He was one of the
brave and fearless ones, however, and in less than
an hour, after having taken some powerful medi
cine which I procured for him, he was again on
his horse, at the general's side.
On going to the Church hospital in search of
Doctor E., I saw an immense shell which had been
sent through the building and fell on the floor, in
the centre of those wounded and dying men who
had just been carried off the field, and placed there
for safety. But strange to say, it did not burst or
injure any one, and was carried out and laid beside
the mangled limbs which had been amputated in
consequence of contact with just such instruments
of death. I saw the remains of the Rev. A. B.
Fuller, Chaplain of the Sixteenth Massachusetts,
as they were removed to the camp. He was faith
ful to his trust, and died at his post.
On one of my necessary rides, in the darkness
of that dreadful night, I passed by a grave-yard
near by where our reserves were lying — and there,
in that hour of darkness and danger, I heard the
voice of prayer ascend. A group of soldiers were
there holding communion with God — strengthen-
PRAYER IN A GRAVE-YARD. 307
ing their souls for the coming conflict. There
are, scattered over the battle-fields and camping-
grounds of this war, Bethels, consecrated to God,
and sacred to souls who have wrestled and pre
vailed. This retirement was a grave-yard, with a
marble slab for an altar, where that little band
met to worship God — perhaps for the last time.
But among all the dead and wounded, I saw
none who touched my heart so much as one beau
tiful boy, severely wounded ; he was scarcely more
than a child, and certainly a very attractive one.
Some one writes the following, after he was sent
to a hospital :
"Among the many brave, uncomplaining fel
lows who were brought up to the hospital from
the battle of Fredericksburg, was a bright-eyed
and intelligent youth, sixteen years old, who be
longed to a northern regiment. He appeared
more affectionate and tender, more refined and
thoughtful than many of his comrades, and at
tracted a good deal of attention from the attend
ants and visitors. Manifestly the pet of some
household which he had left, perhaps, in spite of
entreaty and tears. He expressed an anxious long
ing for the arrival of his mother, who was expected,
having been informed that he was mortally wound
ed, and failing fast. Ere she arrived, however, he
died. But before the end, almost his last act of
consciousness was the thought that she had really
come ; for, as a lady sat by his pillow and wiped
308 SOMEONE'S PET.
the death-dews from his brow, just as his sight
was failing, he rallied a little, like an expiring
taper in its socket, looked up longingly and joy
fully, and in tones that drew tears from every eye
whispered audibly, i Is that mother ? ' Then draw
ing her toward him with all his feeble power, he
nestled his head in her arms, like a sleeping child,
and thus died, with the sweet word, 'Mother,' oil
his lips."
Raise me in your arms, dear mother,
Let me once more look
On the green and waving willows,
And the flowing brook ;
Hark, those strains of angel music
From the choirs above !
Dearest mother, I am going,
Truly "God is love."
A council of war was held by our generals, and
the conclusion arrived at that the enterprise should
be abandoned, and that the army should recross
the Rappahannock under cover of darkness. Ev
erything was conducted in the most quiet manner ;
so quiet, indeed, that the enemy never suspected,
the movement, and the retreat was accomplished,
and the bridges partially removed, before the fact
was discovered.
CHAPTER XXIV.
AFTER THE BATTLE SUFFERINGS OF THE WOUNDED GENERAL
BURNSIDE'S ORDER — " STUCK IN THE MUD " — HOOKER IN COM
MAND WESTERN CAMPAIGN CAVALRY RECONNOISSANCE — •
ANOTHER DISGUISE AGAIN IN DIXIE A WEDDING PARTY
IN A TRAP — REBEL CONSCRIPT ON THE MARCH-— A REBEL
CAPTAIN A FIERCE ENGAGEMENT AGAIN UNDER THE OLD
FLAG PAYING A DEBT OF GRATITUDE.
AFTER the battle of Fredericksburgh the
weather was very cold, and the wounded
suffered exceedingly — even after they were sent
to Aquia Creek, and other places — for they could
not all be provided for and made comfortable im
mediately. Our troops returned to their old camps
in the mud, and remained stationary for several
weeks, notwithstanding our daily orders were to
be ready to march at a moment's notice. The un
necessary slaughter of our men at Fredericksburg
had a sad effect upon our troops, and the tone of
the northern press was truly distressing. The
wailing for the noble dead seemed wafted on ev
ery breeze, for
In the city, in the village,
In the hamlet far away,
Sit the mothers, watching, waiting,
For their soldier boys to-day.
310 GENERAL BURNSIDfi's ORDER.
They are coming, daily coming,
One by one, and score by score,
In their leaden casings folded,
Underneath the flag they bore.
On the twentieth of January General Burnside
issued the following order to the army, which was
joyfully received ; for of all places for an encamp
ment, that seemed to be the most inconvenient and
disagreeable :
HEAD-QUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, ]
Camp near Falmouih, Va., Jan. 20, 1863. (
GENERAL ORDERS — No. 7.
The Commanding General announces to the
Army of the Potomac that they are about to meet
the enemy once more. The late brilliant actions
in North Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas, have
divided and weakened the enemy on the Rappa-
hannock, and the auspicious moment seems to
have arrived to strike a great and mortal blow to
the rebellion, and to gain that decisive victory
which is due to the country.
Let the gallant soldiers of so many brilliant bat
tle-fields accomplish this achievement, and a fame
the most glorious awaits them.
The Commanding General calls for the firm and
•united action of officers and men, and, under the
providence of God, the Army of the Potomac
will have taken the great step towards restoring
WESTERN CAMPAIGN. 311
peace to the country, and the Government to its
rightful authority.
By command of MAJOR-GENERAL BURNSIDE.
LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General.
Soon after this order was issued a portion of
the army did really move — but the pontoons be
came " stuck in the mud," and the troops returned
again. In this manner the winter wore away, and
a severe winter I thought it was ; for in riding a
distance of two miles, in two instances, I had my
feet frozen.
General Hooker was now put in command of
the Army of the Potomac, and Burnside, with the
Ninth Army Corps, ordered to the Western de
partment. Being desirous of leaving the Army
of the Potomac, I now applied for permission to
go with the Ninth Corps, which was granted. I
did not go with the troops, however, but went to
Washington first, and remained several days ; then
took the cars and proceeded to Louisville, Ken
tucky, and arrived there before the troops did.
The last entry in my journal, before leaving the
Army of the Potomac, was as follows: "The
weather department is in perfect keeping with the
War Department ; its policy being to make as
many changes as possible, and every one worse
than the last. May God bless the old Army of the
Potomac, and save it from total annihilation."
312 CAVALRY RECONNOISSANCE.
On the arrival of the troops at Louisville, they
were sent in detachments to different places — some
to Bardstown, some to Lebanon, and others to
guard different portions of the railroad.
The third day after my arrival I went out with
a reconnoitering expedition, under command of
General M. It was entirely composed of cavalry.
"VVe rode thirty-six miles that afternoon — the roads
were splendid. When we were about twelve
miles from our lines we changed our course and
struck through the woods, fording creeks and
crossing swamps, which was anything but pleasant.
After emerging from the thick undergrowth, on
one occasion, we came upon an inferior force of
the enemy's cavalry ; a sharp skirmish ensued,
which resulted in the capture of five prisoners
from the rebel band, and wounding several. Three
of our men were slightly wounded, but we re
turned to Louisville in good order, and enjoyed
the luxury of a good supper at a hotel, which is a
rare thing in that city.
I took the cars the next day and went to
Lebanon — dressed in one of the rebel prisoner's
clothes — and thus disguised, made another trip to
rebeldom. My business purported to be buying
up butter and eggs, at the farm-houses, for the
rebel army. I passed through the lines some
where, without knowing it ; for on coming to a
little village toward evening, I found it occupied
by a strong force of rebel cavalry. The first house
CAPTAIN LOGAN. 313
I went to was filled with officer^ and citizens. 1
had stumbled upon a wedding party, unawares.
Captain Logan, a recruiting officer, had been mar
ried that afternoon to a brilliant young widow
whose husband had been killed in the rebel army
a few months before. She had discovered that
widow's weeds were not becoming to her style of
beauty, so had decided to appear once more in
bridal costume, for a change.
I was questioned pretty sharply by the hand
some captain in regard to the nature of my busi
ness in that locality, but finding me an innocent,
straightforward Kentuckian-, he came to the con
clusion that I was all right. But he also arrived
at the conclusion that I was old enough to be in.
the army, and bantered me considerably upon my
Want of patriotism.
The rebel soldier's clothes which I wore did not
indicate any thing more than that I was a Ken-
tuokian — for their cavalry do not dress in any
particular uniform, for scarcely two of them dress
alike — the only uniformity being that they most
generally dress in butternut color.
I tried to make my escape from that village as
soon as possible, but just as I was beginning to
congratulate myself upon my good fortune, who
should confront me but Captain Logan. Said he :
" See here, my lad ; I think the best thing you
can do is to enlist, and join a company which is
just forming here in the village, and will leave in
314 IN A TRAP.
the morning. We are giving a bounty to all who
freely enlist, and are conscripting those who re
fuse. Which do you propose to do, enlist and get
the bounty, or refuse, and be obliged to go with
out anything? " I replied, "I think I shall wait
a few days before I decide." " But we can't wait
for you to decide," said the captain ; u the Yankees
may be upon us any moment, for we are not far
from their lines, and we will leave here either to
night or in the morning early. I will give you
two hours to decide this question, and in the mean
time you must be put under guard." So saying,
he marched me back with him, and gave me in
charge of the guards. In two or three hours he
came for my decision, and I told him that I had
concluded to wait until I was conscripted. "Well,"
said he, "you will not have long to wait for that,
so you may consider yourself a soldier of the Con
federacy from this hour, and subject to military
discipline."
This seemed to me like pretty serious business,
especially as I would be required to take the oath
of allegiance to the Confederate Government.
However, I did not despair, but trusted in Provi
dence and my own ingenuity to escape from this
dilemma also ; and as I was not required to take
the oath until the company was filled up, I was
determined to be among the missing ere it became
necessary for me to make any professions of loy
alty to the rebel cause. I knew that if I should
WEDDING PARTY. 315
refuse to be sworn into the service after I was
conscripted, that in all probability my true char
acter would be suspected, and I would have to
suffer the penalty of death — and that, too, in the
most barbarous manner.
I was glad to find that it was a company of cav
alry that was being organized, for if I could once
get on a good horse there would be some hope of
my escape. There was no time to be lost, as the
captain remarked, for the Yankees might make a
dash upon us at any moment ; consequently a horse
and saddle was furnished me, and everything was
made ready for a start immediately. Ten
o'clock came, and we had not yet started. The
captain finally concluded that, as everything seemed
quiet, we would not start until daylight.
Music and dancing was kept up all night, and it
was some time after daylight when the captain
made his appearance. A few moments more and
we were trotting briskly over the country, the
captain complimenting me upon my horseman
ship, and telling me how grateful I would be to
him when the war was over and the South had
gained her independence, and that I would be
proud that I had been one of the soldiers of the
Southern confederacy, who had steeped my saber
in Yankee blood, and driven the vandals from our
soil. "Then," said he, "you will thank me for
the interest which I have taken in you, and for
the gentle persuasives which I made use of to stir
316 A FIERCE ENGAGEMENT.
up your patriotism and remind you of your duty
to your country."
In this manner we had traveled about half an
hour, when we suddenly encountered a reconnoi-
tering party of the Federals, cavalry in advance,
and infantry in the rear. A contest soon com
menced ; we were ordered to advance in line,
which we did, until we came within a few yards
of the Yankees.
The company advanced, but my horse suddenly
became unmanageable, and it required a second
or two to bring him right again ; and before I
could overtake the company and get in line the
contending parties had met in a hand to hand
fight.
All were engaged, so that when I, by accident,
got on the Federal side of the line, none observed
me for several minutes, except the Federal officer,
who had recognized me and signed to me to fall
in next to him. That brought me face to face
with my rebel captain, to whom I owed such a
debt of gratitude. Thinking this would be a good
time to cancel all obligations in that direction, I
discharged the contents of my pistol in his face.
This act made me the center of attraction.
Every rebel seemed determined to have the plea
sure of killing me first, and a simultaneous dash
was made toward me and numerous saber strokes
aimed at my head. Our men with one accord
Vushed between me and the enemy, and warded
HOT CONTEST. 317
off the blows with their sabers, and attacked them
with such fury that they were driven back several
rods.
The infantry now came up and deployed as
skirmishers, and succeeded in getting a position
where they had a complete cross-fire on the rebels,
and poured in volley after volley until nearly half
their number lay upon the ground. Finding it
useless to fight longer at such a disadvantage they
turned and fled, leaving behind them eleven
killed, twenty-nine wounded, and seventeen
prisoners.
The confederate captain was wounded badly
but not mortally; his handsome face was very
much disfigured, a part of his nose and nearly half
of his upper lip being shot away. I was sorry,
for the graceful curve of his mustache was sadly
spoiled, and the happy bride of the previous morn
ing would no longer rejoice in the beauty of that
manly face and exquisite mustache of .which she
seemed so proud, and which had captivated her
heart ere she had been three months a widow.
Our men suffered considerable loss before the
infantry came up, but afterward scarcely lost a
man. I escaped without receiving a scratch, but
my horse was badly cut across the neck with a
saber, but which did not injure him. materially,
only for a short time.
After burying the dead, Federal and rebel, we
returned to camp with our prisoners and wounded,
318 A DETECTIVE.
and I rejoiced at having once more escaped from
the confederate lines.
I was highly commended by the commanding
general for my coolness throughout the whole af
fair, and was told kindly and candidly that I would
not be permitted to go out again in that vicinity,
in the capacity of spy, as I would most assuredly
meet with some of those who had seen me desert
their ranks, and I would consequently be hung up
to the nearest tree.
Not having any particular fancy for such an ex
alted position, and not at all ambitious of having
my name handed down to posterity among the
list of those who " expiated their crimes upon the
gallows," I turned my attention to more quiet and
less dangerous duties.
Then sweet thoughts of home came stealing
over my mind, and I exclaimed :
Adieu, dear land,
With beauty teeming,
Where first I roved a careless child ;
Of thee my heart
Will e'er be dreaming —
Thy snow-clad peaks and mountains wild.
Dear land, that I cherish,
0, long may'st thou flourish 1
My memory must perish
Ere I forget thee.
CHAPTER XXY.
APPOINTED DETECTIVE 1 VISIT LOUISVILLE SECESH ACQUAINT-
AXCES SEEKING EMPLOYMENT PEDDLING REBEL SPIES-
ACTING AS CLERK TRAPPING SPIES START FOR VICKSBURG
PRO-SLAVERY TROOPS CRUELTY TO NEGROES VISITING HOS
PITALS TOUCHING SCENES AN ARMLESS SOLDIER PATIENT
SUFFERING TRIUMPHANT DEATH RALLY ROUND THE FLAG
WESTERN CHAPLAINS SOLDIERS* TESTIMONY EFFECT OF
PRAYER IN BATTLE CARRYING THE WOUNDED.
BEING prohibited from further explorations in
that region outside of our lines, I was ap
pointed to act as detective inside of the lines, as
there were many spies in our midst who were daily
giving information to the enemy, and had baffled
all attempts at discovery.
I forthwith dressed in citizen's clothes and pro
ceeded to Louisville, and there mingled freely
with the citizens, visited the different places of
public resort, and made many secesh acquaintances.
At length I found a merchant who was the most
bitter in his denunciations of the Yankees that it
has ever been my lot to meet, and I thought he
would be a pretty good person to assist me in my
undertakings. Stepping into his store one morn
ing I inquired if he was in need of a clerk. He
replied that he would require help in a few days,
as one of his clerks was going to leave.
320 PEDDLING AGAIN.
Then came the interrogatory process — Who was
I, where did I come from, and what had brought
me to that city? Well, I was a foreigner, and
wishing to see a little of this great American war, I
had come " down South ;" and now that I was here,
finding myself scarce of money, I would like to
find some employment. This was literally true. I
was a foreigner, and very often scarce of money,
and really wished him to employ me.
He finally told me that I might come in the
course of a week ; but that did not suit my pur
pose, so I told him I would rather come at once,
as I would be learning considerable before the
other clerk went away ; adding that he might give
me just whatever he pleased for the first week's
work. That seemed to suit him and I was at once
set to work.
After I had been there several days, I was asked
how I would like to go out to the nearest camp
and sell some small articles to the soldiers. I
would like it much ; so was sent accordingly with
an assortment of pocket knives, combs and sus
penders. By the middle of the afternoon I had
sold out my stock in trade, returned to the store,
and gave a good account of myself and of the
goods intrusted to my care.
My employer was pleased with my success and
seemed interested in me, and each day brought
some new proof of his confidence. Things went
on this way for two weeks, in which time I had
ACTING AS CLERK. 321
succeeded, by the good merchant's assistance, in
finding a clue to three rebel spies then within our
lines.
I was often questioned by my employer with
regard to my political sentiments, but of course I
did not know anything about politics — in fact I
hardly knew how to apply the terms Federal and
Confederate, and often misapplied them when
talking in the store, and was frequently told that
I must not call the d — d Yankees, Confederates,
and all due pains were taken to instruct me, and
give me a proper insight into the true state of af
fairs, as seen by Southern secessionists.
At last I expressed a desire to enter the Con
federate service, and asked the merchant how I
should manage to get through the Yankee lines if
I should decide to take such a step. After a
long conversation, and much planning, we at last
decided that I should go through our lines the
next night with a person who was considered by
our troops a thorough Union man, as he had taken
the oath of allegiance to the Federal Government
— but who was in reality a rebel spy.
That afternoon I was sent out again to dispose
of some goods to the soldiers, and while I was
gone took the favorable opportunity of informing
the Provost Marshal of my intended escape the
following night together with my brother spy.
After telling him that I might not be able to
leave the store again with any more definite in-
21
322 EEBEL SPIES.
formation without incurring suspicion, and that he
had better send some one to the store at a certain
hour the next clay to purchase some trifle, so that
I might inclose in the parcel the necessary infor
mation, I went back to the store, and my clever
employer told me that I had better not trouble
myself any more about anything, but get ready
for my journey. Having but little preparation to
make, however, I soon returned to the store.
Not long after a gentleman came in, to whom I
was introduced, and was told that this was the
person who proposed to conduct me through the
lines He was not announced in his true charac^
ter, but I understood at once that this gentlemanly
personage was no less than the spy before referrec]
to. He questioned me pretty sharply, but I being
u slow of speech," referred him to the merchant,
whose eloquence had convinced me of my duty to
the Southern confederacy.
My employer stood beside me and gave him a
brief history of our acquaintance and of his confi
dence in me ; also of his own peculiar faculty of
impressing the truth upon unprejudiced minds.
The spy evidently took me for a poor green
boy whom the merchant had nattered into the
idea of becoming a soldier, but who did not realize
the responsibility of my position, and I confirmed
him in that opinion by saying — "Well, I suppose
if I don't like soldiering they will let me go home
ugain?"
TRAPPING A SPY. 323
The Provost Marshal himself came in during the
day, and I had my document ready informing him
what time we would start and what direction we
were to take.
The night came, and we started about nine
o'clock. As we walked along toward the rebel
lines the spy seemed to think that I was a true
patriot in the rebel cause, for he entertained me
with a long conversation concerning his exploits
in the secret service ; and of the other two who
were still in camp he said one of them was a sut
ler, and the other sold photographs of our
generals.
We were pursuing our way in the darkness,
talking in a low, confidential tone, when suddenly
a number of cavalry dashed upon us and took us
both prisoners. As soon as we were captured we
were searched, and documents found on my
companion which condemned him as a spy. We
were then marched back to Louisville and put
under guard. The next morning he was taken
care of, and I was sent to General M.'s head
quarters.
The next thing to be done was to find the other
two spies. The sutler was found and put under
arrest, and his goods confiscated, but the dealer in
photographs had made his escape.
I never dared go back to Louisville again, for I
had ample reason to believe that my life would
pay the penalty if I did.
324 PRO-SLAVERY TROOPS.
About this time the Ninth Army Corps was
ordered to Vicksburg, where General Grant had
already commenced his siege. While the troops
waited at the depot for transportation a little inci
dent occurred which illustrates the spirit of the
Kentucky soldiers on the slavery question.
Two of our Kentucky regiments were stationed
as guards at the depot, and on this occasion were
amusing themselves by throwing stones at every
poor negro who had occasion to pass within a
stone's throw of them.
A Michigan regiment marched into the depot
on its way to Vicksburg, and along with it some
smart, saucy darkies, in the capacity of servants.
The native soldiers began the same game with
them, by throwing stones at and abusing them ;
but the Michigan men informed them that "if
they did not stop that kind of business immediate
ly they would find more work on hand than they
could attend to," as they considered their servants
a necessary part of their regiment, and would not
permit them to be abused or insulted any more
than if they were white men.
This gave rise to a warm discussion between the
troops, and ended in the Kentuckians forbidding
and prohibiting the different regiments from taking
a negro with them from the State under any cir
cumstances. Of course this incensed our patriotic
troops, and in five minutes they were in line of
battle arrayed against their pro-slavery brethren
CRUELTY TO NEGROES. 325
in arms. But before blood was shed the com
mander of the post was informed, and hastened to
the spot to prevent further mischief. When the
case was fully made known to him he could not
settle the matter, for he was a Kentuckian by
birth, and his sympathies were with the native
troops — yet he knew if he should decide in their
favor that a bloody fight would be the conse
quence, as the troops still remained in line of bat
tle awaiting the decision of the commander. He
finally told them that they must remain there un
til he telegraphed to the headquarters of the de
partment and received an answer. Consequently
the troops were detained two days waiting for the
despatch that would decide the contest. The men
became tired of the fun and marched back to
camp.
In consequence of this affair the poor negroes
fared worse than ever, and the troops had no
sooner gone back to camp than the Kentuckians
swore they would hang every " nigger " that came
into their camp.
During the day I was passing through the de*
pot, and saw a little black urchin selling cakes and
pies, who had no sooner made his appearance than
the guards took his basket away from him. The
boy commenced to cry, when four of the soldiers
took hold of him, each one taking hold of a hand
or foot, and pulled him almost limb from limb —
just as I have seen cruel schoolboys torture frogs.
326 PATIENT SUFFERING.
When they threw him on the ground he could
neither speak, cry, nor walk, but there he lay a
little quivering, convulsive heap of pain and
misery.
The telegram came at last, and the troops were
permitted to depart in peace — taking with them
their colored friends, to the chagrin of the Ken
tucky guards.
Before reaching Vieksburg I visited several
hospitals where the wounded had been brought
from those terrible battles preceding the siege of
Vieksburg, where thousands lay, with all conceiva
ble sorts of wounds.
Several I saw without either arms or legs, hav
ing been torn and mangled by shell so that it was
impossible to save even a single limb — and yet
they lived, and would probably recover.
One handsome young man lay on one of the
hospital boats who had lost both arms — a most
noble specimen of the patient, cheerful, suffering
soldier.
Of this young man the Rev. Mr. Savage writes :
u There he lay upon his cot, armless, and knowing
that this must be his condition through life ; but
yet with a cheerful, happy countenance, and not a
single word of complaint. I ministered to his
wants, and as I cut up fruit in mouthfuls, and put
them in his mouth, he would say, c Well, now, how
good that is ! How kind of you ! The Lord will
bless you for it. I don't see why you are so kind
TRIUMPHANT DEATH. 327
to me. As if any one could be too kind to a man
who had suffered such a loss in defense of his
country. His soul seemed to be resting peacefully
upon Jesus amid' all his great sufferings. One
thing touched me exceedingly : As I spoke of his
feelings, the tears coursed down his cheeks and
lay upon them. He had no hands with which
even to wipe away the tears from his own face ;
and as I took a handkerchief and tenderly per
formed this office, that beautiful passage of scrip
ture occurred to me with a force it never did be
fore : "' and God shall wipe away all tears from
their eyes.' '
Near by lay another young man, an officer, mor
tally wpunded — fast breathing his life away — he
seemed unconscious of his dying state. I asked
the nurse, in a low whisper, if he knew he was
dying, but before the nurse could reply, he looked
up with a smile, and said: u Yes, yes, I know it.
Praise God! there is not a cloud between my soul
and Jesus. I am waiting — I — waiting -."
These were his last words. A few moments more
and his tongue was silent in death.
But he 's gone to rest in heaven above,
To sing his Saviour's praise.
One of the military agents at Nashville relates
a most thrilling incident, which he witnessed in a
hospital at that place. He says :
" Last evening, when passing by the post hos
pital, my attention was arrested by the singing, in
328 RALLY ROUND THE FLAG.
rather a loud voice, of c Rally round the flag, boys,'
by one of the patients inside. While listening to
the beautiful music of that popular song, I ob
served to a nurse standing in the door-way, that
the person singing must be in a very merry mood,
and could not be very sick. ' You are mistaken,
sir,' said he ; ' the poor fellow engaged in singing
that good old song is now grappling with death —
has been dying all day. I am his nurse,' he con
tinued, ' and the scene so affected me that I was
obliged to leave the room. He is just about
breathing his last.'
UI stepped into the ward, and true enough, the
brave man was near his end. His eyes were al
ready fixed in death. He was struggling with all
his remaining strength against the grim monster,
while at the same time there gushed forth from
his patriotic soul incoherently the words : ' Rally
round the flag, boys,' which had so often cheered
him through his weary mar/ch, and braced him up
when entering the field of blood in defense of tis
country. Finally he sank away into his death-
slumber, and joined his Maker's command, that is
marching onward to that far-off, better land. The
last audible sound that escaped his lips was, ' Rally
boys, rally once again ! ' As his eyes were closing,
some dozen of his comrades joined in a solemn,
yet beautiful hymn, appropriate to the occasion.
Take it altogether, this was one of the most affect
ing scenes I have ever witnessed in a hospital. It
PRAYER IN BATTLE. 329
drew tears copiously from near one hundred of
us. It occurred in the large ward which occupies
the entire body of the church on Cherry street.
The deceased was an Illinoisan, and had been
wounded in one of the recent skirmishes."
I noticed in the Western department that the
chaplains were much more faithful to their trust,
and attentive to the sick and wounded, than the
chaplains in the Army of the Potomac — taking
them as a class.
One man in speaking of his chaplain, said : "He
is one of the best men in the world ; he has a
temperance meeting once a week, a prayer meet
ing twice a week, and other meetings as he
is able to hold them ; and then he labors person
ally among the men. He also comforts the sick
and dying. I saw him with one of our comrades
before he died, watching and praying with him ;
and when he died, he closed his eyes and prepared
him for the grave with his own hands."
Another said : " Over at Frederickstown, as our
lines were beginning to give way, and many
thought the day was lost, our chaplain stepped
right out from the ranks, between us and the ene
my's lines, knelt down upon the ground, and lifted
up his voice in most earnest prayer to God for di
vine help in that hour of need. I never felt so in
all my life as I did at that moment. An inspira
tion, as from God, seemed to seize us all ; we ral
lied, charged, drove the enemy before us, and
330 CARRYING THE WOUNDED.
gained the important victory at Frederickstown,
which perhaps has saved to us the State of Mis
sissippi."
And yet another soldier gave testimony like the
following, with regard to a chaplain who had
followed his regiment through every battle in
which it had participated. Said he : u He was
with us day after day, and as soon as a man fell
wounded, he would take him up in his arms and
carry him out where the surgeon could take care
of him ; and the last day I saw him, his clothes,
from head to foot, were literally dripping with the
blood of dead and wounded men that he had car
ried from the battle-field."
This noble chaplain reminds me of a brave sol
dier in the Army of the Potomac, who was in the
hottest of the battle at Aritietam, where the bul
lets were sweeping like death-hail through the
ranks. The line wavered; there were strong
symptoms of falling back on the part of his regi
ment. This man rushed toward the color-bearer,
who stood hesitating, seized the standard and ad
vanced with firm and rapid step several paces in
front of the foremost man ; then thrusting down
the flag-staff into the ground he looked up at the
banner, then at the wavering line, and said —
" There, boys, come up to that ! "
CHAPTER XXVI.
A UNIONIST FROM THE REBEL ARMY HIS TESTIMONY SOUTH
ERN HOSPITALS PATRIOTISM FEMALE RECRUITING CRINO-
LINE — "SWEET LITTLE MAN" — CONFEDERATE SYSTEM — NORTH
AND SOUTH CONTRASTED REBEL IMPRESSMENT BROTHERS*
CRUELTY DYING FOR THE UNION FATE OF A TENNESSEE
PATRIOT ON THE MISSISSIPPI INVISIBLE ATTRACTION AN
IMPORTANT QUESTION MORAL SUBLIMITY CONTRABAND^ JU
BILEE.
AT one of the hospitals near Vicksburg I met a
man who had served a year in the Confed
erate army, having been conscripted by the rebels,
and remained that length of time before he found
an opportunity to escape.
He was an educated, and highly intelligent
young man, and it was deeply interesting to listen
to his account of the Southern side of this rebel
lion. He told me that the Southern people, and
especially the ladies, were much more patriotic
than the people of the North.
After a battle, the citizens, both men and wo
men, come with one accord to assist in taking care
of the wounded ; bringing with them, gratui
tously, every article of comfort and convenience
that their means will admit, and their patriotism
suggest.
Farmers come t6 the hospitals with loads of pro-
332 CRINOLINE.
visions, and the women come with fruits, wines,
jellies, etc., and cheerfully submit to the hardships
and fatigue of hospital labor without the slightest
remuneration. Said he : " The women down South
are the best recruiting officers — for they absolutely
refuse to tolerate, or admit to their society, any
young man who refuses to enlist ; and very often
send their lovers, who have not enlisted, skirts and
crinoline, with a note attached, suggesting the ap
propriateness of such a costume unless they donned
the Confederate uniform at once."
I have often thought of this trait of the South
ern ladies' character, and contrasted it with the
flattering receptions so lavishly bestowed upon
our able-bodied "home guards," by the New-Eng
land fair ones who profess to love the old flag and
despise its enemies. And I have wondered if an
extensive donation of "crinoline" would not be
more effectual in filling up our ranks, than grace
ful bows and bewitching smiles. And I would
mildly suggest that each package of crinoline be
accompanied by the following appropriate lines :
Now, while our soldiers are fighting our battles,
Each at his post to do all that he can,
Down among rebels and cpntraband chattels,
What are you doing, my sweet little man ?
All the brave boys under canvas are sleeping,
All of them pressing to march with the van,
Far from their homes where their sweethearts are weeping ;
What are you waiting for, sweet little man ?
You, with the terrible warlike mustaches,
Fit for a colonel or chief of a clan,
CONFEDERATE SYSTEM. 333
You with the waist made for sword-belts and sashes,
Where are your shoulder-straps, sweet little mau?
We send you the buttouless garments of woman !
Cover your face lest it freckle or tan ;
Muster the apron-string guards on the common —
That is the corps for the sweet little man.
All the fair maidens about him shall cluster,
Pluck the white feathers from bonnet and fan,
Make him a plume like a turkey-wing duster —
That is the crest for the sweet little man.
Give him for escort a file of young misses,
Each of them armed with a deadly rattan,
They shall defend him from laughter and hisses
Aimed by low boys at the sweet little man.
And now, while I am contrasting the conduct
of the North and South, I may as well give an
other testimony in favor of the confederate system.
The following testimony comes from one who
has served in the rebel army in the capacity of
surgeon. He says: u The confederate military au
thorities have complete control of the press, so
that nothing is ever allowed to appear in print
which can in any way give information to the
North or prove a clue to Southern movements. In
this it appears to me that they have an unspeaka
ble advantage over the North, with its numberless
papers and hundreds of correspondents in the
loyal army. With what the correspondents tell
and surmise, and what the Confederates find out
through spies and informers of various kinds, they
are able to see through many of the plans of the
Union forces before they are put into execution.
334 NORTH AND SOUTH.
No more common remark did I hear than this as
officers were reading the Northern papers : c See
what d — d fools those Yankees are. General
A- - has left B- - for C . We will cut
him off. Why the Northern generals or the Sec
retary of War tolerate this freedom of news we
cannot imagine.' '
And he further adds: "Every daily paper I
have read since I came North has contained in
formation, either by direct statement or implica
tion, by which the enemy can profit. If we meant
to play into the hands of the rebels, we could
hardly do it more successfully than our papers are
doing it daily. Sure am I that if a Southern pa
per contained such information of their movements
as do the Northern of ours, the editor's neck would
not be safe an hour. But some will say : ' We
often see information quoted from the Southern
papers of their, movements.' Never, until the
movement has been carried out. It is always safe
to conclude, if you see in a Southern paper any
statement with regard to the movement of troops,
or tb at the army is about to do a certain thing,
that it will not be done, but something different."
Freedom of opinion and of the press is certainly
a precious boon, but when it endangers the Jives
of our soldiers and frustrates the plans of our Gov
ernment, surely it is time to adopt measures to
control it, just as much as it is necessary to arrest
the spies who come within our lines.
REBEL IMPRESSMENT. 335
Another relates the following touching incident
of the Southern style of increasing their army, and
punishing offenders : " When the rebels were
raising a force in Eastern Tennessee, two brothers
by the name of Rowland volunteered. A younger
brother was a Union man, and refusing to enlist,
was seized and forced into the army. He con
stantly protested against his impressment, but
without avail. He then warned them that he
would desert the first opportunity, as he would
not fight against the cause of right and good gov
ernment. They were inexorable, and he was torn
from his family and hurried to the field. At the
battle of Fort Donaldson, Rowland escaped from
the rebels in the second day's fight, and immedi
ately joined the loyal army. Though now to fight
against his own brothers, he felt that he was in a
righteous cause, and contending for a worthy end.
In the battle of Pittsburg Landing he was taken
prisoner by the very regiment to which he had
formerly belonged. This sealed his fate. On his
way to Corinth several of his old comrades, among
them his two brothers, attempted to kill him, one
of them nearly running him through with a bayo
net. He was, however, rescued by the guard,
and brought to camp. Three days after the re
treating army had reached Corinth, General Har-
dee, in whose division was the regiment claiming
this man as a deserter, gave orders to have Row
land executed. About four o'clock in the after-
336 DYING FOR THE UNION.
noon, the same day, some ten thousand Tennessee
troops were drawn up in two parallel lines, facing
inward, three hundred yards apart. The doomed
man, surrounded by the guard, detailed from his
own regiment to shoot him, marched with a firm
step into the middle of the space between the two
lines of troops. Here his grave was already dug,
and a black pine coffin lay beside it. No minister
of religion offered to direct his thoughts to a gra
cious Saviour. The sentence was read, and he
was asked if he had anything to say why it should
not be executed. He spoke in a firm, decided
tone, in a voice which could be heard by many
hundreds, and nearly in the following words :
1 Fellow-soldiers, Tennesseeans — I was forced into
Southern service against my will, and against my
conscience. I told them I would desert the first
opportunity I found, and I did it. I was always
a Union man, and never denied it ; and I joined
the Union army to do all the damage I could to
the Confederates. I believe the Union cause is
right, and will triumph. They can kill me but
once, and I am not afraid to die in a good cause.
My only request is, that you let my wife and fam
ily know that I died in supporting my principles.
My brothers there would shoot me if they had a
chance, but I forgive them. Now shoot me through
the heart, that I may die instantly.'
" After Rowland had ceased to speak, he took off
hat, coat and neck-tie, and laying his hand on his
SOUTHERN" EXECUTION. 337
heart, lie said, "Aim here." The sergeant of the
guard advanced to tie his hands and blindfold
him. He asked the privilege of standing untied,
but the request was not granted. His eyes were
bandaged, he knelt upon his coffin and engaged
in prayer for several minutes, and then said he
was ready. The lieutenant of the guard then gave
the word, ' Fire ! ' and twenty-four muskets were
discharged. When the smoke lifted, the body had
fallen backward, and was still. Several bullets
had passed through his head, and some through
his heart. His body was tumbled into the rough
pine box, and was buried by the men who shot
him."
Such was the fate of a Tennessee patriot, who
was not afraid to declare his love for the Union,
and his faith in its final triumph, in the very pres
ence of some of the leading traitors, and of thou
sands of his rebellious countrymen, a moment
before sealing his patriotism with his blood.
On board of a transport, on the Mississippi river,
as we glided toward our destination, I sat quietly
listening to the variety of topics which was being
discussed around me, until a peculiarly sweet voice
caused me to turn and look in the direction from
whence it proceeded.
Header, has your heart ever been taken by
storm, in consequence of the mere intonations of
a voice— ere you beheld the individual who gave
them utterance ? On this occasion, I turned and
338 INVISIBLE ATTRACTION.
saw "one of God's images cut in ebony." Time
had wrinkled his face, and the frosts of four-score
winters had whitened his woolly locks, palsied his
limbs, and dimmed his vision. He had been a
slave all his life, and now, at the eleventh hour,
when " the silver cord was almost loosed, and the
golden bowl well nigh broken," he was liberated
from bondage, and was rejoicing in freedom from
slavery, and in that freedom wherewith Christ
makes His children free.
By some invisible attraction, a large crowd gath
ered around this old, decrepid slave, and every
eye was fixed upon his sable withered face, as he
gave a brief and touching history of his slave life.
When he had finished, the soldiers eagerly began
to ask questions — but suddenly the old colored
man turned querist, and raising himself up, and
leaning forward toward the crowd, he asked, in a
voice strangely thrilling and solemn, uAre any of
you soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ ? "
One looked at another -with evident embarrass
ment ; but at length some one stammered out —
44 We don't know exactly ; that is a hard question,
Uncle." "Oh no," said he, "dat is not a hard
question — if you be soldiers of Christ you know it,
you must know it ; de Lord does not do His work
so poorly dat His people don't know when it 's
done. Now jes' let me say a word more : Dear
soldiers — before eber you lebe dis boat — before
eber you go into anoder battle — enlist for Jesus ;
MORAL SUBLIMITY. 339
become soldiers ob de blessed Redeemer, and you
are safe ; safe when de battle rages, safe when de
chills ob death come, safe when de world 's on
fire."
One of the men, desirous of changing the con
versation, said : u Uncle, are you blind ? " He re
plied: "Oh no, bless de Lord, I am not blind to
de tings ob de spirit. I see by an eye ob faith
my blessed Saviour sitting at de right hand ob
God, and I'll soon see Him more clearly, for Jesus
loves dis old blind darkie, and will soon take him
home."
Now, when we talk of moral sublimity we are
apt to point to Alexander conquering the world,
to Hannibal surmounting the Alps, to Caesar cross
ing the Rubicon, or to Lawrence wrapping him
self in the American flag and crying "Don't give
up the ship ! " But in my opinion here was a
specimen of moral sublimity equal to anything
that ever graced the pages of history or was ever
exhibited upon a battle-field— a poor old, blind,
palsied slave, resting upon the " Rock of Ages/'
while the waves of affliction dashed like mountains
at his feet ; yet, looking up to heaven, and trust
ing in the great and precious promises, he gave
glory to God, and triumphed over pain and dis
ease, rejoicing even in tribulation.
While the old slave was talking to the soldiers
a number of young darkies came forward, and
when the conversation ceased they all struck up
340 CONTRABAND JUBILEE.
the following piece, and sang it with good effect :
Oh, praise an' tanks ! De Lord he come
To set de people free ;
An' massa tink it day ob doom,
An' we ob jubilee.
De Lord dat heap de Red Sea waves,
He jes' as strong as den ;
He say de word — we las' night slaves,
To-day de Lord's free men.
CHORUS — De yam will grow, de cotton blow,
We'll hab de rice an' corn,
0 nebber you fear if nebber you hear
De driber blow his horn.
Ole massa on his trabbles gone
He lebe de land behind ;
De Lord's breff blow him furder on,
Like corn-shuck in de wind.
We own de hoe, we own de plow,
We own de hands dat hold;
We sell de pig, we sell de cow,
But neber chile be sold.
CHORUS — De yam will grow, etc,
We know de promise nebber fail,
An' nebber lie de Word ;
So, like de 'postles in de jail,
We waited for de Lord.
An' now He open ebery door,
An' trow away de key,
He tink we lub Him so before,
We lub Him better free.
CHORUS — De yam will grow, etc.
Then a collection was taken up among the sol
diers and presented to the old blind colored man,
who wept with delight as he received it, for said
he _ « I hab no home, no money, an' no friend,
de Lord Jesus.
"
CHAPTER XXVII.
ARRIVAL AT VICKSBURG ITS SURROUNDINGS GRA^l's ARMY-
ASSAULT ON THE REBEL WORKS THE SEVEN COLOR-BEARERS
— PEMBERTON'S HARANGUE — IN THE TRENCHES — SUFFERINGS
OP THE WOUNDED PEMBERTON's PROPOSED CAPITULATION
GRANT'S REPLY— TERMS OF SURRENDER— OCCUPATION OF THE
CITY— LOSS OF THE ENEMY COMPLIMENTARY LETTER
GRANT'S SUCCESS— ATTACHMENT OF HIS SOLDIERS— " FIGHT
ING DICK" GOLD LACE REBEL SUFFERINGS — SIGHTS IN
VICKSBURG— INCIDENTS OF THE SIEGE— CAVE LIFE.
OUR troops at length joined General Grant's
army near Yicksburg, where those veterans
had been digging and fighting so many weeks.
The city of Vicksburg is nestled among numer
ous terraced hills, and would under other circum
stances present a magnificent and romantic ap
pearance ; but I could not at that time realize its
beauty, for the knowledge of the sufferings and
distress of thousands within its walls detracted
materially from its outward grandeur.
The enemy's works had consisted of a series of
redoubts extending from Haines' Bluff to the War-
renton road, a distance of some ten miles. It was
a vast plateau, upon which a multitude of little
hills seemed to have been sown broadcast, giving
the enemy a position from which it could sweep
342 PEMBEBTON'S HARANGUE.
every neighboring crest and enfilade every ap
proach. But the rebels had already been driven
from this position after a severe struggle.
On the twenty -second of May, at two o'clock in
the morning, heavy guns were opened upon the
rebel works, and continued until ten o'clock, when
a desperate assault was made by three corps mov
ing simultaneously. After a severe engagement
and heavy loss the flag of the Seventh Missouri
was planted on one of the rebel parapets, after
seven color-bearers had been shot down.
After this contest the rebel general, Pemberton,
addressed his men as follows : u You have heard
that I was incompetent and a traitor, and that it
was my intention to sell Yicksburg. Follow me,
and you will see the cost at which I will sell Yicks
burg. When the last pound of beef, bacon and
flour, the last grain of corn, the last cow and hog,
horse and dog shall have been consumed, and the
last man shall have perished in the trenches, then,
and not till then, will I sell Yicksburg."
It became evident that the works could not be
carried by assault, and that nothing but a regular
siege could reduce the fortifications.
While the sige was in progress our soldiers en
dured hardships, privations and sufferings which
•words can but inadequately express. Our men
were closely packed in the trenches, often in water
to the knees, and not daring to lift their heads
above the brow of the rifle pits, as the rebel sharp-
PEMBERTON'S PROPOSAL. 343
shooters lost no time in saluting every unfortunate
head which made its appearance above ground.
The sufferings of the wounded were extreme.
Those who were wounded during the day in the
trenches nearest the city could not be removed
until the curtain of night fell upon the scene and
screened them from the vigilant eye of the enemy.
General Grant steadily approached the doomed
city by means of saps and mines, and continued to
blow up their defenses, until it was evident that
another day's work would complete the capture of
the city.
Such was the position of affairs on the third of
July, when General Pemberton proposed an ar
mistice and capitulation.
Major General Bo wen, of the Confederate army,
was the bearer of a despatch to General Grant,
under a flag of truce, proposing the surrender of
the city, which was as follows :
HEADQUARTERS, VICKSBURG,
July 3d, 1863.
Major General Grant, commanding United States
forces:
GENERAL — I have the honor to propose to you
an armistice for — hours, with a view of arranging
terms for the capitulation of Yicksburg. To this
end, if agreeable to you, I will appoint three
commissioners to meet a like number to be named
by yourself, at such place and hour to-day as you
may find convenient. I make this proposition to
344 GRANT'S REPLY.
save the further effusion of blood, which must
otherwise be shed to a frightful extent, feeling
myself fully able to maintain my position for a yet
indefinite period. This communication will be
handed to you, under flag of truce, by Major Gen
eral James Bowen.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. PEMBERTON.
To which General Grant replied :
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE,
In the Field, near Vicksburg,
July 3c?, 1863.
Lieutenant General J. C. Pemberton, commanding
Confederate forces, etc. :
GENERAL — Your note of this date, just received,
proposes an armistice of several hours for the pur
pose of arranging terms of capitulation, through
commissioners to be appointed, etc. The effusion
of blood you propose stopping by this course can
be ended at any time you may choose by an un
conditional surrender of the city and garrison.
Men who have shown so much endurance and
courage as those now in Yicksburg will always
challenge the respect of an adversary, and, I can
assure you, will be treated with all the respect due
them as prisoners of war. I do not favor the
proposition of appointing commissioners to arrange
terms of capitulation, because I have no other
terms than those indicated above.
TERMS OF SURRENDER. 345
I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
U. S. GRANT.
Then the following document was made out by
General Grant, and submitted for acceptance :
GENERAL — In conformity with the agreement of
this afternoon, I will submit the following propo
sition for the surrender of the city of Yicksburg,
public stores, etc. On your accepting the terms
proposed, I will march in one division, as a guard,
and take possession at eight o'clock to-morrow
morning. As soon as paroles can be made out
and signed by the officers and men, you will be
allowed to march out of our lines, the officers
taking with them their regimental clothing, and
staff, field and cavalry officers, one horse each.
The rank and file will be allowed all their cloth
ing, but no other property. If these conditions
are accepted, any amount of rations you may deem
necessary can be taken from the stores you now
have, and also the necessary cooking utensils for
preparing them ; thirty wagons also, counting two
two-horse or mule teams as one. You will be al
lowed to transport such articles as cannot be car
ried along. The same conditions will be allowed
to all sick and wounded officers and privates as
fast as they become able to travel. The paroles
for these latter must be signed, however, whilst
officers are present authorized to sign the roll of
prisoners.
346 SURRENDER OF THE CITY.
After some further correspondence on both
sides this proposition was accepted, and on the
fourth of July the Federals took possession of the
city of Yicksburg.
A paragraph from General Grant's official des
patch will best explain the result of his campaign,
together with the surrender of Yicksburg : u The
defeat of the enemy in five battles outside of
Yicksburg, the occupation of Jackson, the capital
of the State of Mississippi, 'and the capture of
Yicksburg and its garrison and munitions of war,
a loss to the enemy of thirty-seven thousand pris-
ers, among whom were fifteen general officers, at
least ten thousand killed and wounded, and among
the killed Generals Tracy, Tilghman and Green,
and hundreds, perhaps thousands, of stragglers,
who can never be collected and organized. Arms
and munitions of war for an army of sixty thou
sand have fallen into our hands, besides a large
amount of other public property, consisting of
railroads, locomotives, cars, steamboats, cotton,
etc., and much was destroyed to prevent our cap
turing it."
On the thirteenth of July the President sent an
autograph letter to General Grant, of which the
following is a copy :
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, •}
July 13th, 1863. j
To Major General Grant :
MY DEAR GENERAL — I do not remember that
SECRET OF SUCCESS. 347
you and I ever met personally. I write this now
as a grateful acknowledgment for the almost ines
timable service you have done the country. I
wish to say a word further. When you first
reached the vicinity of Vicksburg I thought you
should do what you finally did — march the troops
across the neck, run the batteries with the trans
ports, and thus go below ; and I never had any
faith, except a general hope that you knew better
than I, that the Yazoo Pass expedition and the like
could succeed. When you got below and took
Port Gipson, Grand Gulf and vicinity, I thought
you should go down the river and join Banks ;
and when you turned northward, east of the Big
Black, I feared it was a mistake. I now wish to
make a personal acknowledgment that you were
right and I was wrong.
Yours, very truly,
A. LINCOLN.
It is stated on good authority that at the time
the news of Grant's success reached the President,
there were several gentlemen present some of
whom had just been informing Mr. Lincoln that
there were great complaints against General Grant
with regard to his intemperate habits. After
reading the telegram announcing the fall of Vicks
burg, the President turned to his anxious friends
of the temperance question and said :
u So I understand Grant drinks whiskey to ex
cess ? "
348 GOLD LACE.
" Yes," was the reply.
"What whiskey does he drink? "
" What whiskey ? " doubtfully queried his hearers.
" Yes. Is it Bourbon or Monongahela ? "
uWhy do you ask, Mr. President?"
"Because if it makes him win victories like that
at Yicksburg, I will send a demijohn of the same
kind to every general in the army."
It is also stated on the same authority that Gene
ral Grant is strictly temperate.
His men are almost as much attached to him as
are the Army of the Potomac to General McClel-
lan. He is a true soldier, and shares all the hard
ships with his men, sleeping on the ground in the
open air, and eating hard bread and salt pork with
as good a grace as any private soldier.
He seldom wears a sword, except when abso
lutely necessary, and frequently wears a semi-
military coat and low crowned hat.
The mistakes which people used to make, when
coming to headquarters to see the general, often
reminded me of a genuine anecdote which is told
of General Richardson, or " Fighting Dick," as we
familiarly called him. It occurred when the
troops were encamped near Washington, and was
as follows :
The general was sauntering along toward a
fort, which was in course of erection not far from
headquarters, dressed in his usual uniform for fa
tigue, namely: citizen's pants, undress coat, and
POMPOSITY. 349
an old straw hat which had once been white, but
was now two or three shades nearer the general's
own complexion. • ,
Along came one of those dashing city staff offi
cers, in white gloves, and trimmed off with gold
lace to the very extreme of military regulations.
He was in search of General Richardson, but did
not know him personally. Reining up his horse
some little distance from the general, he shouted :
u hallo, old fellow ! can you tell me where General
Richardson's headquarters are ? "
The general pointed out the tent to him, and
the young officer went dashing along, without ever
saying "thank you." The. general then turned on
his heel and went back to his tent, where he found
the officer making a fuss because there was no or
derly to hold his horse. Turning to General R.,
as he came up, he said: "Won't you hold my
horse while I find General R. ? " " Oh yes, cer
tainly," said he.
After hitching the horse to a post near by for
that purpose, the general walked into the tent,
and, confronting young pomposity, he said in his
peculiar twang, "Well, sir, what will you have?"
When the Federal troops marched into Yicks~
burg, what a heart-sickening sight it presented ;
the half-famished inhabitants had crawled from
their dens and caves in the earth, to find their
houses demolished by shell, and all their pleasant
places laid waste.
350 SIGHTS IN VICKSBURG.
But the appearance of the soldiers as they came
from the entrenchments covered with mud and
bespattered with the blood of their comrades who
had been killed or wounded, would have touched
a heart of stone.
The poor horses, and mules, too, were a sad
sight, for they had fared even worse than the sol
diers — for there was no place of safety for them —
not even entrenchments, and they had scarcely
anything at all to eat for weeks, except mulberry
leaves.
One man, in speaking of the state of affairs in
the city, during the siege, said: u The terror of
the women and children, their constant screams
and wailings over the dead bodies of their friends,
mingled as they were with the shrieks of bursting
shell, and the pitiful groans of the dying, was
enough to appall the stoutest heart." And others
said it was a strange fact that the women could
not venture out of their caves a moment without
either being killed or wounded, while the men
and officers walked or rode about with but little
loss of life comparatively.
A lady says : " Sitting in my cave, one evening,
I heard the most heart-rending shrieks and groans,
and upon making inquiry, I was told that a mother
had taken her child into a cave about a hundred
yards from us, and having laid it on its little bed,
as the poor woman thought, in safety, she took
her seat near the entrance of the cave. A mortar-
REBEL SUFFERINGS. 351
shell came rushing through the air, and fell upon
the cave, and bursting in the ground entered the
cave ; a fragment of the shell mashed the head of
the little sleeper, crushing out the young life, and
leaving the distracted mother to pierce the heavens
with her cries of agony."
How blightingly the hand of war lay upon that
once flourishing city ! The closed and desolate
houses, the gardens with open gates, and the poor,
starving mules, standing amid the flowers, picking
off every green leaf, to allay their hunger, pre
sented a sad picture.
I will give the following quotation as a specimen
of cave life in Yicksburg : u I was sitting near the
entrance of my cave about five o'clock in the af
ternoon, when the bombardment commenced more
furiously than usual, the shells falling thickly
around us, causing vast columns of earth to fly
upward, mingled with smoke. As usual, I was
uncertain whether to remain within, or to run out.
As the rocking and trembling of the earth was
distinctly felt, and the explosions alarmingly near,
I stood within the mouth of the cave ready to
make my escape, should one chance to fall above
our domicile.
"In my anxiety I was startled by the shouts of
the servants, and a most fearful jar and rocking of
the earth, followed by a deafening explosion, such
as I had never heard before. The cave filled in
stantly with smoke and dust. I stood there, with
352 CAVE LIFE.
a tingling, prickling sensation in my head, hands
and feet, and with confused brain. Yet alive !
was the first glad thought that came to me — child,
servants, all here, and saved !
" I stepped out and found a group of persons be
fore my cave, looking anxiously for me, and lying
all around were freshly-torn rose bushes, arbor-
vitas trees, large clods of earth, splinters, and
pieces of plank.
" A mortar-shell had struck the corner of the
cave ; fortunately, so near the brow of the hill,
that it had gone obliquely into the earth, explod
ing as it went, breaking large masses from the
side of the hill — tearing away the fence, the shrub
bery and flowers — sweeping all ]jke an avalanche
down near the entrance of my poor refuge.
<; On another occasion I sat reading in safety, I
imagined, when the unmistakable whirring of
Parrott shells told us that the battery we so much
dreaded had opened from the entrenchments. I
ran to the entrance to call the servants in. Imme
diately after they entered a shell struck the earth
a few feet from the entrance, burying itself with
out exploding.
" A man came in, much frightened, and asked
permission to remain until the danger was over.
He had been there but a short time when a Par
rott shell came whirling in at the entrance and fell
in the center of the cave before us, and lay there,
the fuse still smoking.
REBEL SEBASTOPOL. 353
" Our eyes were fastened upon that terrible mis
sile of death as by the fascination of a serpent,
while we expected every moment that the terrific
explosion would take place. I pressed my child
closer to my heart and drew nearer the wall. Our
fate seemed certain — our doom was sealed.
" Just at this dreadful moment, George, a negro
boy, rushed forward, seized the shell, and threw it
into the street, then ran swiftly in the opposite
direction.
''Fortunately the fuse became extinguished and
the shell fell harmless to the ground, and is still
looked upon as a monument of terror."
CHAPTER XXVIII.
WESTERN GIBRALTAR— THE "LEAD MIXERS "—THE PALMETTO
EXCHANGED FOR THE STARS AND STRIPES ENTHUSIASM OF
TROOPS— SUFFERINGS FORGOTTEN— I AM ATTACKED BY FEVER
UNFIT FOR DUTY " VICKSBURG IS OURS " SPIRIT YEARN
INGS— " ROCK ME TO SLEEP MOTHER "—IMPOSITION OP
STEAMBOAT OFFICERS— GRANTS CARE FOR HIS MEN—.
BURSTING OF A SHELL IN CAMP CONSEQUENCES— SPEECH
LESS AGONY 1 AM RELEASED FROM DUTY MY TRIP TO
CAIRO MISS MARY SAFFORD ARRIVAL AT WASHINGTON.
IT was a proud day for the Union army when
General U. S. Grant marched his victorious
troops into the rebel Sebastopol— or "the western
Gibraltar," as the rebels were pleased to term it.
The troops marched in triumphantly, the Forty^
354 ATTACKED BY FEYER.
fifth Illinois, the "lead miners," leading the van,
and as they halted in front of the fine white mar
ble Court House, and flung out the National ban
ner to the breeze, and planted the battle-worn
flags bearing the dear old stars and stripes — where
the u palmetto" had so recently floated — then went
up tremendous shouts of triumphant and enthusi
astic cheers, which were caught up and re-echoed
by the advancing troops until all was one wild
scene of joy; and the devastated city and its
miserable inhabitants were forgotten in the tri
umph of the hour.
This excitement proved too much for me, as I
had been suffering from fever for several days
previous, and had risen from my cot and mounted
my horse for the purpose of witnessing the crown
ing act of the campaign. Now it was over, and I
was exhausted and weak as a child.
I was urged to go to a hospital, Jbut refused ;
yet at length I was obliged to report myself unfit
for duty, but still persisted in sitting up most of
the time. Oh what dreary days and nights I
passed in that dilapidated city ! A slow fever had
fastened itself upon me, and in spite of all my for
titude and determination to shake it off, I was
each day becoming more surely its victim.
I could not bear the shouts of the men, or their
songs of triumph which rung out upon every
breeze — one of which I can never forget, as I
heard it sung until my poor brain was distracted,
"VICKSBURG IS OURS." 355
and in my hours of delirium I kept repeating
"Vicksburg is ours," "Vicksburg is ours," in a
manner more amusing than musical.
I will here quote a few verses which I think are
the same :
Hark ! borne upon the Southern breeze,
As whispers breathed above the trees,
Or as the swell from off the seas,
In summer showers,
Fall softly on the ears of men
Strains sweetly indistinct, and then —
Hist ! listen ! catch the sound again —
" Vicksburg is ours! "
O'er sea-waves beating on the shore,
'Bove the thunder-storm and tempest o'er,
O'er cataracts in headlong roar,
High, high it towers.
O'er all the breastworks and the moats
The Starry Flag in triumph floats,
And heroes thunder from' their throats
"Vicksburg is ours 1 1"
Spread all your banners in the sky,
The sword of victory gleams on high,
Our conquering eagles upward fly,
And kiss the stars ;
For Liberty the Gods awake,
And hurl the shattered foes a wreck,
The Northern arms make strong to break
The Southern bars.
All honor to the brave and true
Who fought the bloody battles through,
And from the ramparts victory drew
Where Vicksburg cowers ;
And o'er the trenches, o'er the slain,
Through iron hail and leaden rain,
Still plunging onward, might and main,
Made Vicksburg ours.
356 SPIRIT YEARNINGS.
I think I realized, in those hours of feverish
restlessness and pain, the heart-yearnings for the
touch of a mother's cool hand upon my brow,
which I had so often heard the poor sick and
wounded soldiers speak of. Oh how I longed for
one gentle caress from her loving hand ! and when
I would sometimes fall into a quiet slumber, and
forget my surroundings, I would often wake up
and imagine my mother sat beside me, and would
only realize my sad mistake when looking in the
direction I supposed her to be, there would be
seen some great bearded soldier, wrapped up in
an overcoat, smoking his pipe.
The following lines in some measure express my
spirit-longings for the presence of my mother in
those nights of torturing fever and days of languor
and despondency :
Backward, turn backward, 0 Time, in your flight;
Make me a child again, just for to-night I
Mother, 0 come from the far-distant shore,
Take me again to your heart as of yore ;
Over my slumbers your loving watch keep —
Rock me to sleep, mother, rock me to sleep.
*******
Backward, flow backward, 0 tide of the years !
I am so weary of toils and of tears,
Toil without recompense — tears all in vain —
Take them, and give me my childhood again.
I have grown weary of warfare and strife,
Weary of bartering my health and my life,
Weary of sowing for others to reap —
Rock me to sleep, mother, rock me to sleep.
After the fall of Yicksburg a large proportion
1 IMPOSITION. 357
of the soldiers in that vicinity, who had fought so
bravely, endured so many hardships, and lain in
the entrenchments so many weary weeks during
the siege, were permitted to visit their homes on
furlough.
In view of this General Grant issued a special
order forbidding steamboat officers to charge more
than five dollars to enlisted men, and seven dollars
to officers, as fare between Vicksburg and Cairo.
Notwithstanding this order the captains of steam
ers were in the habit of charging from fifteen to
thirty dollars apiece.
On one occasion one of those steamers had on
board an unusually large number of soldiers,
said to be over one thousand enlisted men and
nearly two hundred and fifty officers, en route
for home on leave of absence ; and all had paid
from twenty to twenty-five dollars each. But just
as the boat was about to push off from the wharf
an order came from General Grant requiring the
money to be refunded to men and officers over
and above the stipulated sum mentioned in a pre-
vious order, or the captain to have his boat confis
cated and submit himself to imprisonment for
disobedience of orders. Of course the captain
handed over the money, and amid cheers for Gen
eral Grant, sarcastic smiles, and many amusing and
insinuating speeches and doubtful compliments to
the captain, the men pocketed the recovered
"greenbacks," and went on their way rejoicing.
358 BURSTING OF A SHELL.
When the General was told of the imposition
practiced by the boatmen on his soldiers, he re
plied : "I will teach them, if they need the lesson,
that the men who have periled their lives to open
the Mississippi for their benefit cannot be imposed
upon with impunity."
A noble trait in the character of this brave gen
eral is that he looks after the welfare of his men
as one who has to give an account of his steward
ship, or of those intrusted to his care.
I remained in my tent for several days, not be
ing able to walk about, or scarcely able to sit up.
I was startled one day from my usual quietude by
the bursting of a shell which had lain in front of
my tent, and from which no danger was appre
hended ; yet it burst at a moment when a number
of soldiers were gathered round it — and oh, what
sad havoc it made of those cheerful, happy boys
of a moment previous ! Two of them were killed
instantly and four were wounded seriously, and
the tent where I lay was cut in several places with
fragments of shell, the tent poles knocked out of
their places, and the tent filled with dust and
smoke.
One poor colored boy had one of his hands torn
off at the wrist ; and of all the wounded that I
have ever seen I never heard such unearthly yells
and unceasing lamentations as that boy poured
forth night and day ; ether and chloroform were
alike unavailing in hushing the cries of the poor
A MOTHER'S AGONY. 359
sufferer. At length the voice began to grow
weaker, and soon afterwards ceased altogether;
and upon making inquiry I found he had died
groaning and crying until his voice was hushed in
death.
The mother and sister of one of the soldiers who
was killed by the explosion of the shell arrived a
short time after the accident occurred, and it was
truly a most pitiful sight to see the speechless
grief of those stricken ones as they sat beside the
senseless clay of that beloved son and brother.
All my soldierly qualities seemed to have fled,
and I was again a poor, cowardly, nervous, whin
ing woman; and as if to make up for lost time,
and to give vent to my long pent up feelings, I
could do nothing but weep hour after hour, until
it would seem that my head was literally a foun
tain of tears and my heart one great burden of
sorrow. All the horrid scenes that I had wit
nessed during the past two years seemed now be
fore me with vivid distinctness, and I could think
of nothing else.
It was under these circumstances that I made up
my mind to leave the army ; and when once my
mind is made up on any subject I am very apt to
act at once upon that decision. So it was in this
case. I sent for the surgeon and told him I was
not able to remain longer — that I would certainly
die if I did not leave immediately.
The good old surgeon concurred in my opinion,
3GO I LEAVE THE SERVICE.
and made out a certificate of disability, and I was
forthwith released from further duty as "Nurse
and Spy" in the Federal army.
The very next day I embarked for Cairo, and
on my arrival there I procured female attire, and
laid aside forever (perhaps) my military uniform ;
but I had become so accustomed to it that I parted
with it with much reluctance.
While in Cairo I had the pleasure of seeing the
celebrated Miss Mary Safford, of whom so much
has been said and written.
One writer gives the following account of her,
which is correct with regard to personal appear
ance, and I have no doubt is correct throughout :
UI cannot close this letter without a passing
word in regard to one whose name is mentioned
by thousands of our soldiers with gratitude and
blessing.
" Miss Mary Safford is a resident of this town,
whose life, since the beginning of this war, has
been 'devoted to the amelioration of the soldier's
lot and his comfort in the hospital.
" She is a young lady, petite in figure, unpre
tending, but highly cultivated, by no means offi
cious, and so wholly unconscious of her excellencies
and the great work that she is achieving, that I
fear this public allusion to her may pain her mod
est nature.
" Her sweet young face, full of benevolence, her
pleasant voice and winning manner, install her in
A WOMAN'S WORK. 361
every one's heart directly ; and the more one sees
of her the more they admire her great soul and
noble nature.
" Not a day elapses but she is found in the hos
pitals, unless indeed she is absent on an errand of
mercy up the Tennessee, or to the hospitals in
Kentucky.
"Every sick and wounded soldier in Cairo
knows and loves her, and, as she enters the ward,
every pale face brightens at her approach. As she
passes along she inquires of each one how he had
passed the night, if he is well supplied with books
and tracts, and if there is anything she can do for
him. All tell her their story frankly — the old man
old enough to be her father, and the boy in his
teens, all confide in her.
"For one she must write a letter to his friend
at home ; she must sit clown and read at the cot
of another ; must procure, if the surgeon will al*
low it, this or that article of food for a third ; must
soothe and encourage a fourth who desponds and
is ready to give up his hold on life ; must pray for
a fifth who is afraid to die, and wrestle for him till
light shines through the dark valley ; and so on,
varied as may be the personal or spiritual wants of
the sufferers.
u Surgeons, nurses, medical directors, and army
officers, are all her true friends, and so judicious
and trustworthy is she, that the Chicago Sanitary
Commission have given her carte Handle to draw
362 REVIEW.
on their stores at Cairo for anything she may need
in her errands of mercy in the hospitals.
" She is performing a noble work, and that too
in the most quiet and unassuming manner."
From Cairo I went to Washington, where I
spent several weeks, until I recovered from my
fever and was able to endure the fatigue of
traveling. Then after visiting the hospitals once
more, and bidding farewell to old scenes and asso
ciations, I returned to my friends to recruit my
shattered health.
CHAPTER XXIX.
REVIEW OF HOSPITAL AND CAMP LIFE QUESTIONS ANSWERED
BEHIND THE SCENES BLESSED EMPLOYMENT LIVING PAST
SCENES OVER AGAIN MY MOST IMPORTANT LABORS — MOTHER
AND SON" STRANGE POWER OF SYMPATHY HERo's REPOSE
OFFICERS AND MEN — THE BRAVEST ARE KINDEST GENERAL
SEDGWICK BATTLE SCENES MR. ALVORD's DESCRIPTION — •
VOLUNTEER SURGEONS HEART SICKENING SIGHTS AN AWFUL
PICTURE FEMALE NURSES SENTIMENTAL PATRIOTIC MEDI
CAL DEPARTMENT YOUNG SURGEONS ANECDOTES.
SINCE I returned to New England there have
been numerous questions asked me with re
gard to hospitals, camp life, etc., which have not
been fully answered in the preceding narrative,
and I have thought that perhaps it would not be
out of place to devote a chapter to that particular
object.
BEHIND THE SCENES. 363
One great question is: uDo the soldiers get the
clothing and delicacies which we send them — or
is it true that the surgeons, officers and nurses ap
propriate them to their own use ? "
In reply to this question I dare not assert that
all the things which are sent to the soldiers are
faithfully distributed, and reach the individuals
for whom they were intended. But I have no
hesitation in saying that I have reason to believe
that the cases are very rare where surgeons or
nurses tamper with those articles sent for the com-
fort of the sick and wounded.
If the ladies of the Soldiers' Aid Societies and
other benevolent organizations could have seen
even the quantity which I have seen with my own
eyes distributed, and the smile of gratitude with
which those supplies are welcomed by the suffer
ers, they would think that they were amply re
warded for all their labor in preparing them.
Just let those benevolent hearted ladies imagine
themselves in my place for a single day ; remov
ing blood-clotted and stiffened woollen garments
from ghastly wounds, and after .applying the
sponge and water remedy, replacing those coarse,
rough shirts by nice, cool, clean linen ones, then
dress the wounds with those soft white bandages
and lint ; take from the express box sheet after
sheet, and dainty little pillows with their snow.y
cases, until you have the entire hospital supplied
and every cot looking clean and inviting to the
364 LIVING OVER THE PAST.
weary, wounded men — then as they are carried
and laid upon those comfortable beds, you will
often see the tears of gratitude gush forth, and
hear the earnest " God bless the benevolent ladies
who send us these comforts."
Then, after the washing and clothing process is
gone through with, the nice wine or Boston crack
ers are brought forward, preserved fruits, wines,
jellies, etc., and distributed as the different cases
may require.
I have spent whole days in this blessed employ
ment without realizing weariness or fatigue, so
completely absorbed would I become in my work,
and so rejoiced in having those comforts provided
for our brave, suffering soldiers.
Time and again, since I have been engaged in
writing this little narrative, I have thrown down
my pen, closed my eyes, and lived over again
those hours which I spent in ministering to the
wants of those noble men, and have longed to
go back and engage in the same duties once more.
I look back now upon my hospital labors as
being the most important and interesting in my
life's history. The many touching incidents which
come to my mind as I recall those thrilling scenes
make me feel as if I should never be satisfied un
til I had recorded them all, so that they might
never be forgotten. One occurs to my mind now
which I must not omit :
" In one of the fierce engagements with the
POWER OF SYMPATHY. 3G5
rebels near Mechanicsville, a young lieutenant of
a Rhode Island battery had his right foot so shat
tered by a fragment of shell that on reaching
Washington, after one of those horrible ambulance
rides, and a journey of a week's duration, he was
obliged to undergo amputation.
" He telegraphed home, hundreds of miles away,
that all was going on well, and with a soldier's
fortitude composed his mind and determined to
bear his sufferings alone. Unknown to him, how
ever, his mother — one of those dear reserves of
the army — hastened up to join the main force.
She reached the city at midnight, and hastened to
the hospital, but her son being in such a critical
condition, the nurses would have kept her from
him until morning. One sat by his side fanning
him as he slept, her hand on the feeble, fluctuating
pulsations which foreboded sad results. But what
woman's heart could resist the pleading of a moth
er at such a moment ? In the darkness she was
finally allowed to glide in and take the nurse's
place at his side. She touched his pulse as the
nurse had done. Not a word had been spoken ;
but the sleeping boy opened his eyes and said :
'That feels like my mother's hand! Who is this
beside me? It is my mother; turn up the gas
and let me see mother!' The two loving faces
met in one long, joyful, sobbing embrace, and the
fondness pent up in each heart wept forth its own
language.
366 HERO'S REPOSE.
" The gallant fellow underwent operation after
operation, and at last, when death drew near, and
he was told by tearful friends that it only re
mained to make him comfortable, he said he ' had
looked death in the face too many times to be
afraid now,' and died as gallantly as did the men
of the Cumberland."
When a hero goes
Unto his last repose,
When earth's trump of fame shall wake him no more ;
When in the heavenly land
Another soul doth stand,
Who perished for a Nation ere he reached the shore ;
Whose eyes should sorrow dim ?
Say, who should mourn for him ?
Mourn for th'e traitor — mourn
When honor is forsworn ;
"When the base wretch sells his land for gold,
Stands up unblushingly
And boasts his perfidy,
Then, then, 0 patriots 1 let your grief be told
But when God's soldier yieldeth up his breath,
0 mourn ye not for him ! it is not death !
Another question is frequently asked me — "Are
not the private soldiers cruelly treated by the offi
cers ? " I never knew but a very few instances of
it, and then it was invariably by mean, cowardly
officers, who were not fit to be in command of so
many mules. I have always noticed that the
bravest and best fighting officers are the kindest
and most forbearing toward their men.
An interesting anecdote is told of the late brave
General Sedgwick, which illustrates this fact :
THE NOBLE SEDGWICK. 3G7
" One day, while on a march, one of our best
soldiers had fallen exhausted by fatigue and ill
ness, and lay helpless in the road, when an officer
came dashing along in evident haste to join his
staff in advance.
u It was pitiable to see the effort the poor boy
made to drag his unwilling limbs out of the road.
He struggled up only to sink back with a look
that asked only the privilege of lying there undis
turbed to die.
" In an instant he found his head pillowed on
an arm as gentle as his far-away mother's might
have been, and a face bent over him expressive of
the deepest pity.
"It is characteristic of our brave boys that they
say but little. The uncomplaining words of the
soldier in this instance were few, but understood.
" The officer raised him in his arms and placed
him in his own saddle, supporting the limp and
swaying figure by one firm arm, while with the
other he curbed the step of his impatient horse to
a gentler pace.
"For two miles, without a gesture of impa
tience, he traveled in this tedious way, until he
reached an ambulance train and placed the sick
man in one of the ambulances.
" This was our noble Sedgwick — our brave gen
eral of the Sixth Corps — pressed with great anxie
ties and knowing the preciousness of every moment.
His men used to say : 4 We all know that great
368 BATTLE SCENES.
things are to be done, and well done, when we
see that earnest figure in its rough blouse hur
rying past, and never have we been disappointed
in him. He works incessantly, is unostentatious,
and when he appears among us all eyes follow
him with outspoken blessings.' '
I have often been asked : u Have you ever been
on a battle-field before the dead and wounded
were removed ? " " How did it appear ? " " Please
describe one."
I have been on many a battle-field, and have
often tried to describe the horrible scenes which I
there witnessed, but have never yet been able to
find language to express half the horrors of such
sights as I have seen on those terrible fields.
The Rev. Mr. Alvord has furnished us with a
vivid description of a battle-field, which I will
give for the benefit of those who wish a true and
horrifying description of those bloody fields :
" To-day I have witnessed more horrible scenes
than ever before since I have been in the army.
Hundreds of wounded had lain since the battle,
among rebels, intermingled with heaps of slain —
hungering, thirsting, and with wounds inflaming
and festering. Many had died simply from want
of care. Their last battle was fought ! Almost
every shattered limb required amputation, so pu
trid had the wounds become.
" I was angry (I think without sin) at your vol
unteer surgeons. Those of the army were too
MR. ALVORD'S DESCRIPTION. 369
few, and almost exhausted. But squads of vol
unteers, as is usual, had come on without instru
ments, and without sense enough to set themselves
at work in any way, and without any idea of
dressing small wounds. They wanted to see am
putation, and so, while hundreds were crying for
help, I found five of these gentlemen sitting at
their ease, with legs crossed, waiting for their ex
pected reception by the medical director, who
was, of course, up to his elbows in work with saw
and amputating knife. I invited them to assist,
me in my labors among the suffering, but they had
4 not come to nurse' — they were 'surgeons.'
" The disgusting details of the field I need not
describe. Over miles of shattered forest and torn
earth the dead lie, sometimes in heaps and win-
rows — I mean literally ! friend and foe, black and
white, with distorted features, among mangled and
dead horses, trampled in mud, and thrown in all
conceivable sorts of places. You can distinctly
hear, over the whole field, the hum and hissing of
decomposition. Of course you can imagine shat
tered muskets, bayonets, cartridge-boxes, caps,
torn clothing, cannon-balls, fragments of shell,
broken artillery, etc. I went over it all just be-
fore evening, and after a couple of hours turned
away in sickening horror from the dreadful sight.
I write in the midst of the dead, buried and un-
buried — in the midst of hospitals full of dying, suf
fering men, and weary, shattered regiments."
24
370 ^FEMALE NURSES!
This is a very mild illustration of some battle
fields, and yet it presents an awful picture.
0 God ! this land grows rich in loyal blood
Poured out upon it to its utmost length !
The incense of a people's sacrifice —
The wrested offering of a people's strength.
It is the costliest land beneath the sun I
'Tis purchaseless ! and scarce a rood
But hath its title written clear, and signed
In some slain hero's consecrated blood.
And not a flower that gems its mellowing soil
But thriveth well beneath the holy dew
Of tears, that ease a nation's straining heart
"When the Lord of Battles smites it through and through.
Now a word about female nurses who go from
the North to take care of the soldiers in hospitals.
I have said but little upon this point, but could
say much, as I have had ample opportunity for
observation.
Many of the noble women who have gone from
the New England and other loyal States have done,
and are still doing, a work which will engrave
their names upon the hearts of the soldiers, as the
name of Florence Nightingale is engraved upon
the hearts of her countrymen.
It is a strange fact that the more highly culti
vated and refined the ladies are, they make all the
better nurses. They are sure to submit to incon
venience and privations with a much better grace
than those of the lower classes.
It is true we have some sentimental young la-
REAL AND IDEAL. 371
dies, who go down there and expect to find every
thing in drawing-room style, with nothing to do
but sit and fan handsome young mustached heroes
in shoulder-straps, and read poetry, etc. ; and on
finding the real somewhat different from the ideal,
which their ardent imaginations had created, they
become homesick at once, and declare that they
" cannot endure such work as washing private sol
diers' dirty faces and combing tangled, matted
hair; and, what is more, won't do it." So after
making considerable fuss, and trailing round in
very long silk skirts for several days, until every
body becomes disgusted, they are politely invited
by the surgeon in charge to migrate to some more
congenial atmosphere.
But the patriotic, whole-souled, educated woman
twists up her hair in a " cleared-for-action " sort
of style, rolls up the sleeves of her plain cotton
dress, and goes to work washing dirty faces,
hands and feet, as if she knew just what to do and
how to do it. And when she gets through with
that part of the programme, she is just as willing
to enter upon some new duty, whether it is writing
letters for the boys or reading for them, adminis
tering medicine or helping to dress wounds. And
everything is done so cheerfully that one would
think it was really a pleasure instead of a disagree
able task.
But the medical department is unquestionably
the greatest institution in the whole army. I will
372 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.
not attempt to anwer all the questions I have been
asked concerning it, but will say that there are
many true stories, and some false ones, circulated
with regard to that indispensable fraternity.
I think I may freely say that there is a shadow
of truth in that old story of " whiskey" and uin-
competency " which we have so often heard ap
plied to individuals in the medical department,
who are intrusted with the treatment, and often
the lives of our soldiers.
There is a vast difference in surgeons ; some are
harsh and cruel — whether it is from habit or insen
sibility I am not prepared to say — but I know the
men would face a rebel battery with less forebo
dings than they do some of our worthy surgeons.
There is a class who seem to act upon the prin
ciple of "no smart no cure," if we may be allowed
to judge from the manner in which they twitch
off bandages and the scientific twists and jerks
given to shattered limbs.
Others again are very gentle and tender with
the men, and seem to study how to perform the
necessary operations with the least possible pain
to the patients.
But the young surgeons, fresh from the dissect
ing room, when operating in conjunction with our
old Western practitioners, forcibly reminded me
of the anecdote of the young collegian teaching
his grandmother to suck an egg : u We make an
incision at the apex and an aperture at the base ;
CLOSING INCIDENTS. 373
then making a vacuum with the tongue and pal
ate, we suffer the contained matter to be protruded
into the mouth by atmospheric pressure." "La!
how strange ! " said his grandmother ; u in my day
we just made a hole in each end, and then sucked
it without half that trouble."
I once saw a young surgeon amputate a limb,
and I could think of nothing else than of a Ken-
nebec Yankee whom I once saw carve a Thanks
giving turkey ; it was his first attempt at carving,
and the way in which he disjointed those limbs I
shall never forget.
CHAPTER XXX.
CLOSING INCIDENTS — PROFESSOR LOWERS BALLOON FITZ JOHN
PORTER'S ADVENTURE — HIS UPWARD FLIGHT — RECONNOITERING-
FROM A DANGEROUS POSITION COOL COURAGE £NTHUSIAS>
TIC GREETING — AN EARNEST INQUIRER A BAPTISM IN THE
ARMY PREACHING BY MOONLIGHT A MAGNIFICENT SCENE
A WEDDING IN CAMP GAY TIMES A CONTRAST HOSPITAL IN"
WINCHESTER SPIRIT OF REVENGE SABLE HEROINE A WHITE
DARKEY — COLORED SOLDIERS CONCLUSION.
IN looking back over the events of the two
years which I spent in the army, I see so much
worthy of record I scarcely know where to stop.
A most thrilling incident occurs to my mind at
this moment in connection with Professor Lowe
and his balloon, which I must relate before closing.
374 BALLOONING.
It took place while McClellan's army was in front
of Yorktown.
General Fitz John Porter having been in the
habit of making frequent ascensions in company
with Professor Lowe, learned to go aloft alone.
One morning he stepped into the car and or
dered the cable to be let out with all speed. We
saw with surprise that the flurried assistants were
sending up the great straining canvas with a sin
gle rope attached. The enormous bag was only
partially inflated, and the loose folds opened and
shut with a sharp report like that of a pistol.
Noisily, fitfully, the great yellow mass rose toward
the sky, the basket rocking like a feather in the
breeze. Presently a sound came from overhead
like the explosion of a shell — the cable had snapped
asunder, and the balloon was adrift.
All eyes were turned toward the receding car,
where General Porter sat in his aerial castle, being
borne heavenward as fast as if on eagle wings,
without the power either to check or guide his
upward flight.
The whole army was agitated by this unwonted
occurrence, and the rebel army evidently partook
in the general excitement.
Lowe's voice could be heard above the confu
sion and tumult shouting to the soaring hero — •
" Open — the — valve ! Climb — to — the — netting
— reach — the valve — rope ! "
The valve — the valve ! " repeated a multitude
PORTER'S FLIGHT. 375
of voices, but all in vain, for it was impossible to
make him hear.
Soon the signal corps began to operate, and at
last the general was made to understand by sig
nals when it was impossible to reach him by the
human voice.
He appeared directly over the edge of the car,
and then clambered up the netting and reached
for the cord, but he was so far above us then he
looked no bigger than a great black spider.
It was a weird spectacle — that frail, fading ob
ject floating in the azure sky, with the miniature
boat swinging silently beneath, looking no bigger
than a humming-bird's nest ; and a hundred thou
sand brave hearts beneath beating with the wild
est excitement and warmest sympathy, yet power
less to render the least assistance to their exalted
brother-in-arms.
u Had the general been floating down the rapids
of Niagara he could not have been farther from
human assistance."
We at length saw him descend from the netting
and reappear over the edge of the basket, and he
Deemed to be motioning to the breathless crowd
below the story of his failure.
Soon after the balloon began slowly to descend,
and when we next saw him it was with spyglass
in hand, reconnoitering the rebel works. Shouts
of joy and laughter went up from the long lines
of spectators as this cool procedure was observed.
376 COOL COURAGE.
For a moment it seemed doubtful in which di
rection the balloon would float ; it faltered like an
irresolute being, and at length moved reluctantly
toward Fortress Monroe. Bursting cheers, half
uttered, quivered on every lip. All eyes glistened,
and many were dim with tears. But the wayward
canvas now turned due west, and was blown ra
pidly toward the confederate works.
Its course was fitfully direct, and the wind
seemed to veer often, as if contrary currents, con
scious of the opportunity, were struggling for the
possession of the daring navigator.
The south wind held the mastery for awhile,
and the balloon passed the Federal front amid
groans of despair from the soldiers. It kept right
on, over sharpshooters, rifle-pits, etc., until it stood
directly over the rebel fortifications at York town.
The cool courage, either of heroism or despair,
seemed to seize the general, for turning his tre
mendous glass upon the ramparts and masked bat
teries below, he viewed the remote camps, the
beleaguered town, the guns of Gloucester Point,
and distant Norfolk. Had he been reconnoitering
from a secure perch on the top of the moon he
could not have been more vigilant ; and the Con
federates probably thought this some Yankee de
vice to peer into their sanctum in spite of ball or
shell. None of their large guns could be brought
to bear upon the balloon, but there were some dis
charges of musketry, which seemed to have no
INTERESTING SCENE. 377
effect whatever, and finally even these demonstra
tions ceased.
Both armies were gazing aloft in breathless sus
pense, while the deliberate general continued to
spy out the land.
Suddenly another change of position, and the
air craft plunged and tacked about, and steered
rapidly for the Federal lines again. Making a des
perate effort to catch the valve-rope, the general
at length succeeded, and giving it a jerk, the bal
loon came suddenly to the ground ; fortunately,
however, it struck a tent as it descended, which
perhaps saved the general from any serious injuries
from the fall.
By the time the crowd had reached the spot,
Porter had disentangled himself from the folds of
oiled canvas, and was ready to greet his anxious
friends ; and amid hearty congratulations and vo
ciferous cheers, he was escorted to his quarters.
As this chapter is devoted to incidents in camp,
I will try to illustrate the variety of interesting
events with which our camps abound.
After one of the most severe battles ever fought
in Virginia, and while our troops were still rejoic
ing over their victory, a young soldier sought the
chaplain for the purpose of religious conversation.
Said the chaplain: "The tears were in his eyes,
and his lips trembled with emotion. I knew that
he was in earnest. We knelt down together and
I prayed with him, and he prayed for himself. In
378 A BAPTISM.
this manner we spent several hours, pleading with
God in his behalf, until light broke through the
darkness, and he arose from his knees praising
God."
Wishing to manifest by some outward sign his
consecration to God and to His service, he re
quested the chaplain to baptize him by immersion.
The next day being the Sabbath his request was
complied with, in the presence of thousands of his
comrades.
The scene was a most solemn one, and after the
ordinance was administered there was scarcely a
dry eye in the company to which he belonged.
In the evening one of the delegates of the
Christian Commission preached to an immense
congregation of grim warriors seated on the
ground — a little pine grove for a church, the
great blue dome of heaven for galleries, and the
clear, bright moon for a chandelier.
The scene was a magnificent one. A little to
the right lay a cloud of white canvas tents shining
in the moonlight, and just below, in plain sight,
were the transports dotting the water, with their
gleaming lights and star-spangled banners floating
in the evening breeze. All combined to make the
scene beautiful and interesting.
The discourse was excellent and well chosen,
and the men listened with profound attention, and
t have no doubt with much profit. Then was sung
Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing,
A WEDDING. 379
and the benediction being pronounced, the vast
assembly marched to their quarters as solemnly as
if going from a funeral.
Next came a wedding ! Yes ; a real wedding
in camp. You must know that when military ne
cessity prevents our young heroes from going
home to fulfill their engagements to their devoted
fair ones, it is the privilege of the waiting dam
sels, in war times, to remove all unnecessary ob
stacles, and facilitate matters by declaring them
selves in favor of the union, and claiming their
lovers on the field.
This wedding was a grand affair, and took place
in a camp which was very prettily decorated,
being picturesquely arranged among pine trees —
just the most romantic place imaginable for such
an event.
A little before noon the guests began to arrive
in large numbers. Among them were Generals
Hooker, Sickles, Carr, Mott, Hobart, Ward, Revere,
Bar tie tt, Birney, and Berry.
The troops, looking their very best, formed a
hollow square, in the center of which a canopy was
erected, and an altar formed of drums.
As the generals marched into the square — Gen
eral Hooker leading the van — and grouped them
selves on each side of the altar, the bands struck
up "Hail to the Chief," and on the appearance of
the bridal party the "Wedding March" was
played.
380 GAY TIMES.
The day was cold and windy, with a few snow-
flakes interspersed, which made the ladies in at
tendance look very much like "blue noses"; but
the blushing bride bore the cold and the ad
miring glances of the soldiers like a martyr, and
retained her dignity and self-possession throughout
the ceremony worthy of a heroine, as she was.
To add to the dramatic effect of the scene, a
line of battle was formed by the remaining troops
in that section, a short distance from camp, to re
pel an expected attack of the enemy.
The ceremony having been performed, dinner
was announced, and all partook of the good things
provided for the occasion.
After dinner, came numerous toasts, speeches,
songs, and music from the bands, and, to close up
the day in good style, a regular military ball was
held, and fireworks exhibited in the evening —
"and on the whole," a newspaper correspondent
says, u it entirely eclipsed an opera at the Acade
my of Music."
I have before alluded to the vindictive spirit
manifested by the women of Virginia toward our
soldiers. I will illustrate this fact by an incident
which took place in one of the hospitals just after
a severe battle.
Many wounded soldiers, both Union and Con
federate, were brought into the town of Winches
ter, and placed in the churches and court-house
side by side.
SPIRIT OF REVENGE. 381
The ladies (beg pardon, ladies, I mean females)
of that place brought into the hospital many things
to nourish and tempt the appetites of the sufferers,
but they gave all these delicacies to the Confeder
ate soldiers : our men were passed by as unworthy
of notice or sympathy.
One day a lady, who had been a constant visit
or, brought in a supply of fragrant tea. She went
from one cot to another of her friends, but had no
eye or heart of pity for others.
One of our wounded men, who lay near his end,
longed for a cup of this tea as he saw it handed to
those around him, and requested the chaplain, who
stood by his side, to ask the lady for a little of
the tea.
He did so in a very polite manner, at the same
time telling her how ill the man was, and that it was
the soldier himself who wished him to make the
request.
"No," said she, and her face flushed with an
ger ; u not a drop of it ; this tea is all for our suf
fering martyrs."
The chaplain replied : " Madam, I looked for no
other answer. I beg pardon for having seemed
for a moment to expect a different one."
A few moments afterwards, as the poor disap
pointed man lay there seeing the delicious tea
passed on all sides of him and could not procure
a drop of it, an old lame negro woman came limp
ing up the aisle with a large basket on each arm.
382 SABLE HEROINE.
Coming up to where the chaplain stood, she
laid down the baskets and addressed him thus :
"Massa, I'se a slave — my husban' and chil'en is
slaves. Will you 'cept dese tings for de poor men ?"
Then taking up a roll of stockings, she said:
" Dem I knit wid my own hands for de soldiers,
when all sleep, in my cabin. We know'd dis war
was comin' long 'fore you Yankees did. We see
it 'preaching, an' we began to prepare for it."
Then taking packages of tea, cans of fruit, pears
and peaches, lint, linen for bandages, and pocket-
handkerchiefs, she said: "Massa, permit me to
give you dese for de poor men. I have not stole
'em. My own hands have earned 'em over de
vvashtub. I wish to do something for de Union
soldiers, Lord bless 'em ! "
" As she talked," says the chaplain, "she grew
more earnest, and looking around on the mutilated
men the tears rolled down her black face, and fell
on her hands, as she lifted the treasures out of the
baskets and handed them to me."
Our sick men looked with wonder and admira
tion on the old colored woman, and soon a hun
dred voices cried out " God bless you, aunty !
You are the only white woman we have seen since
we came to Winchester."
Some people assert that colored people have no
souls. Which, think you, acted most as if lacking
soul — the black or the white woman in the hospi
tal at Winchester?
COLORED SOLDIERS. 383
The devotion of the negro woman, as manifested
in the hospital, is a perfect sample of the devotion
of the contrabands, male and female, to the Union
cause.
And now that the time has come when the
colored men are permitted, by the laws of the
land, to assume the privileges of rational beings,
and to go forth as American soldiers to meet their
cruel oppressors on the bloody field, there is evi
dently as great, if not greater, enthusiasm and true
patriotism manifested by them, as by any troops
in the United States army.
And still further — it has been proved satisfacto
rily within the last twelve months that the colored
troops endure fatigue as cheerfully and fight as
well (and get less pay) as any of the white troops.
Thank God, this is one great point gained for the
poor down-trodden descendants of Africa.
I imagine I see them, with their great shiny
eyes and grinning faces, as they march to the field,
singing—
Oh! we're de bully soldiers of de "First of Arkansas,"
We are fightin' for de Union, we are fightin' for de law,
We can hit a rebel furder dan a white man eber saw,
As we go marchin' on :
Glory, glory, hallelujah, etc.
See dar! above de center, where de flag is wavin' bright;
We are goin' out of slavery ; we are bound for freedom's light;
We mean to show Jeff. Davis how de Africans can fight I
Glory, glory, hallelujah,
Glory, glory, hallelujah,
Glory, glory, hallelujah,
As we go marching on.
384 CONCLUSION.
And now, what shall I say in conclusion ? The
war still continues — our soldiers are daily falling
in battle, and thousands are languishing in hospi
tals or in Southern prisons ; and I for months past
have not given even a cup of cold water to the
sufferers. I am ashamed to acknowledge it ! But
when I look around and see the streets crowded
with strong, healthy young men who ought to be
foremost in the ranks of their country's defenders,
I am not only ashamed, but I am indignant !
To prove to my friends that I am not ambitious
of gaining the reputation of that venerable gene
ral (Halleck) whose u pen is mightier than his
sword," I am about to return to the army to offer
my services in any capacity which will best pro
mote the interests of the Federal cause — no matter
how perilous the position may be.
And now I lay aside my pen, hoping that after
"this cruel war is over," and peace shall have
once more shed her sweet influence over our land,
I may be permitted to resume it again to record
the annihilation of rebellion, and the final triumph
of Truth, Right, and Liberty.
0 Lord of Pence, who art Lord of Righteousness,
Constrain the anguished worlds from sin and grief,
Pierce them with conscience, purge them with redress,
AND GIVE US PEACE WHICH IS NO COUNTERFEIT 1
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